Lydall (LDL) 10-K 3 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 20, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	LDL
Entity Registrant Name	LYDALL INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	60977
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		17,321,903
Entity Public Float			$447,258,411

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$535,829	$397,969	$378,924
Cost of sales	420,851	312,744	301,117
Gross profit	114,978	85,225	77,807
Selling, product development and administrative expenses	80,930	56,512	57,239
Gain on sale of product line	0	0	-810
Operating income	34,048	28,713	21,378
Interest expense	1,093	304	365
Other (income) expense, net	-701	67	31
Income before income taxes	33,656	28,342	20,982
Income tax expense	11,809	9,187	4,176
Net income	$21,847	$19,155	$16,806
Earnings per common share:
Basic (in usd per share)	$1.31	$1.16	$1.01
Diluted (in usd per share)	$1.28	$1.14	$0.99
Weighted average common shares outstanding	16,662	16,570	16,717
Weighted average common shares and equivalents outstanding	17,003	16,866	16,973

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$21,847	$19,155	$16,806
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in pension plans, net of income taxes of $1,595, $4,028, and $1,832, respectively	-2,603	6,572	-2,989
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-12,714	2,950	1,241
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-15,317	9,522	-1,748
Comprehensive income	$6,530	$28,677	$15,058

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Change in pension plans, net of income taxes	$1,595	$4,028	$1,832

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$62,051	$75,407
Accounts receivable, (net of allowance for doubtful receivables of $709 and $480, respectively)	84,366	52,301
Inventories	51,241	34,917
Taxes receivable	4,539	1,632
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,109	8,004
Total current assets	213,306	172,261
Property, plant and equipment, net	115,357	78,863
Goodwill	21,943	18,589
Other intangible assets, net	7,841	3,510
Deferred tax assets	1,408	574
Other assets, net	1,915	888
Total assets	361,770	274,685
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	615	663
Accounts payable	49,325	29,768
Accrued payroll and other compensation	14,550	10,393
Accrued taxes	1,447	1,816
Other accrued liabilities	7,140	6,044
Total current liabilities	73,077	48,684
Long-term debt	40,315	1,051
Deferred tax liabilities	13,867	8,747
Benefit plan liabilities	19,142	14,097
Other long-term liabilities	2,770	2,019
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock (par value $1.00 per share; authorized 500,000 shares; none issued or outstanding)	0	0
Common stock (par value $0.10 per share; authorized 30,000 shares; issued 24,631 and 24,098 shares, respectively)	2,463	2,410
Capital in excess of par value	68,961	62,284
Retained earnings	242,099	220,252
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-24,161	-8,844
Treasury stock, 7,312 and 7,279 shares of common stock, respectively, at cost	-76,763	-76,015
Total stockholders’ equity	212,599	200,087
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$361,770	$274,685

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful receivables	$709	$480
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, issued	24,631,000	24,098,000
Treasury stock, shares	7,312,000	7,297,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Non-cash capital expenditures	$5,000,000
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	21,847,000	19,155,000	16,806,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on sale of product line	0	0	-810,000
Depreciation and amortization	17,646,000	12,703,000	13,682,000
Inventory step-up amortization	2,053,000	0	0
Deferred income taxes	-1,477,000	969,000	-1,649,000
Stock based compensation	2,787,000	1,763,000	1,401,000
Pension settlement charge	4,914,000	0	0
Impairment and loss on disposition of property, plant and equipment	241,000	359,000	1,977,000
Accounts receivable	-7,189,000	-4,101,000	-150,000
Inventories	4,539,000	-3,046,000	2,728,000
Taxes Receivable	-4,129,000	-640,000	-355,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-2,318,000	161,000	620,000
Accounts payable	1,167,000	-59,000	1,118,000
Accrued payroll and other compensation	3,299,000	-121,000	1,152,000
Accrued taxes	337,000	96,000	-693,000
Other liabilities, net	-2,089,000	3,041,000	-1,422,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	41,628,000	30,280,000	34,405,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisitions, net of cash required	-79,407,000	0	0
Redemption of short-term investment	0	0	-12,015,000
Capital expenditures	-13,971,000	-13,826,000	-11,404,000
Proceeds from sale of a product line	0	0	1,000,000
Acquisition earn out payments	-111,000	-160,000	0
Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities	-93,489,000	-13,986,000	1,611,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt Proceeds	60,000,000	0	0
Debt repayments	-20,000,000	-34,000	-285,000
Capital lease payments	-646,000	-734,000	-771,000
Common stock issued	2,457,000	1,497,000	972,000
Common stock repurchased	-748,000	-6,617,000	-3,998,000
Excess tax benefit on stock awards	1,486,000	271,000	211,000
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	42,549,000	-5,617,000	-3,871,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-4,044,000	1,107,000	573,000
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents	-13,356,000	11,784,000	32,718,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	75,407,000	63,623,000	30,905,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	62,051,000	75,407,000	63,623,000
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	875,000	214,000	255,000
Income taxes	$14,679,000	$7,227,000	$5,347,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common stock	Capital in excess of par value	Retained earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$160,852	$2,365	$56,214	$184,291	($16,618)	($65,400)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		23,645
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	16,806			16,806
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-1,748				-1,748
Stock repurchased	-3,998					-3,998
Stock issued under employee plans (in shares)		122
Stock issued under employee plans	972	12	960
Excess tax benefit on stock awards	211		211
Stock based compensation expense	1,149		1,149
Stock issued to directors (in shares)		18
Stock issued to directors	252	2	250
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	174,496	2,379	58,784	201,097	-18,366	-69,398
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		23,785
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	19,155			19,155
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	9,522				9,522
Stock repurchased	-6,617					-6,617
Stock issued under employee plans (in shares)		297
Stock issued under employee plans	1,497	30	1,467
Excess tax benefit on stock awards	271		271
Stock based compensation expense	1,511		1,511
Stock issued to directors (in shares)		16
Stock issued to directors	252	1	251
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	200,087	2,410	62,284	220,252	-8,844	-76,015
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	24,098	24,098
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	21,847			21,847
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-15,317				-15,317
Stock repurchased	-748					-748
Stock issued under employee plans (in shares)		524
Stock issued under employee plans	2,457	52	2,405
Excess tax benefit on stock awards	1,486		1,486
Stock based compensation expense	2,535		2,535
Stock issued to directors (in shares)		9
Stock issued to directors	252	1	251
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$212,599	$2,463	$68,961	$242,099	($24,161)	($76,763)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	24,631	24,631

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies
	Business — Lydall, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Lydall”) design and manufacture specialty engineered filtration media, industrial thermal insulating solutions, automotive thermal and acoustical barriers, medical filtration media and devices and biopharmaceutical processing components for thermal/acoustical, filtration/separation and bio/medical applications.
	On February 20, 2014, the Company acquired certain industrial filtration businesses ("Industrial Filtration") of Andrew Industries Limited, an Altham, United Kingdom based corporation. The Industrial Filtration business serves a global customer base in the manufacture of non-woven felt filtration media and filter bags used primarily in industrial air filtration applications including power, cement, asphalt, incineration, food and pharmaceutical. This business, which strengthened the Company’s position as an industry leading, global provider of filtration and engineered materials products, added complementary and new technologies and diversified the Company’s end markets and geographic base.
	On January 30, 2015, the Company sold its Vital Fluids business, reported as Other Products and Services ("OPS") for a cash purchase price of $29.9 million. (See Note 17)
	Principles of consolidation — The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Lydall, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Estimates and assumptions — The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the financial statement dates and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Risks and uncertainties — Worldwide economic cycles affect the markets that the Company’s businesses serve and affect demand for Lydall’s products and impact profitability. Among other factors, disruptions in the global credit and financial markets, including diminished liquidity and credit availability, swings in consumer confidence and spending, unstable economic growth and fluctuations in unemployment rates has caused economic instability that has, and could continue to have, a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
	Cash and cash equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.
	Concentrations of credit risk — Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents in high-quality financial institutions. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited by the large number of customers comprising the Company’s customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. At December 31, 2014, no customers accounted for more than 10.0% of total accounts receivable. At December 31, 2013, Ford represented 15.3% of total accounts receivable. No other customers accounted for more than 10.0% of total accounts receivable at December 31, 2013.
	Foreign and export sales were 46.2% of the Company’s net sales in 2014, 45.2% in 2013, and 46.7% in 2012. Export sales primarily to Europe, Asia, Mexico and Canada were $57.6 million, $52.1 million, and $49.7 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. Sales to the automotive market, included in the Thermal/Acoustical Metals and Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segments, were 54.1% of the Company’s net sales in 2014, 68.5% in 2013, and 65.5% in 2012. Sales to Ford Motor Company (“Ford”) were 16.5%, 20.0%, and 18.8% of Lydall’s 2014, 2013, and 2012 net sales, respectively. Sales to Chrysler Group LLC (“Chrysler”) accounted for 10.9% and 10.0% of Lydall’s 2013 and 2012 net sales, respectively. No other customers accounted for more than 10% of total net sales in 2014, 2013, and 2012.
	Inventories — Inventories are valued at lower of cost or market, cost being determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method. Inventories in excess of requirements for current or anticipated orders have been written down to net realizable value.
	Pre-production design and development costs — The Company enters into contractual agreements with certain customers to design and develop molds, dies and tools (collectively, “tooling”). All such tooling contracts relate to parts that the Company will supply to customers under long-term supply agreements. Tooling costs are accumulated in work-in process inventory and are charged to operations as the related revenue from the tooling is recognized. Revenue is recognized as tooling is delivered and accepted by the customer. The Company also may progress bill on certain tooling being constructed. These billings are recorded as progress billings (a reduction of the associated work-in-process inventory) until the appropriate revenue recognition criteria have been met.
	Periodically, the Company enters into contractually guaranteed reimbursement arrangements as a mechanism to collect amounts due from customers from tooling sales. Under these arrangements, amounts due from tooling sales are collected as parts are delivered over the part supply arrangement, in accordance with the specific terms of the arrangement. The amounts due from the customer in such transactions are recorded in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net” or “Other assets, net” based upon the expected term of the reimbursement arrangement.
	The following tooling related assets were included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December, 31
	In thousands	2014		2013
	Inventories, net of progress billings and reserves	$	8,832	$	8,793
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	30		52
	Total tooling related assets	$	8,862	$	8,845
	Amounts included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net” include the short-term portion of receivables due under contractually guaranteed reimbursement arrangements. Included in the inventory balance was an offset for progress billings of $1.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Company owned tooling is recorded in “Property, plant and equipment, net” at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	Property, plant and equipment — Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Assets held under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Property, plant and equipment, including property, plant and equipment under capital leases, are depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease or the life of the asset, whichever is shorter. The cost and accumulated depreciation amounts applicable to assets sold or otherwise disposed of are removed from the asset and accumulated depreciation accounts and any net gain or loss is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Expenses for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
	Goodwill and other intangible assets — Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired companies. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. All other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from 4 to 20 years. In performing impairment tests, the Company considers discounted cash flows and other market factors as best evidence of fair value. There are inherent uncertainties and management judgment required in these analyses.
	Valuation of long-lived assets — The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets, or asset groups, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Should such evaluations indicate that the related future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying values of the assets, such carrying values would be reduced to fair value and this adjusted carrying value would become the assets’ new cost basis. Fair value is determined primarily using future anticipated cash flows that are directly associated with, and that are expected to arise as a direct result of the use and eventual disposition of the asset, or asset group, as well as market conditions and other factors. There are inherent uncertainties and management judgment required in these analyses.
	Employer sponsored benefit plans — The Company recognizes the funded status of its domestic defined benefit pension plan. Net benefit obligations are calculated based on actuarial valuations using key assumptions related to discount rates and expected return on plan assets.
	Derivative instruments — Derivative instruments are measured at fair value and recognized as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in either current or non-current other assets or other accrued liabilities or other long-term liabilities depending upon maturity and commitment. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedge transaction affects earnings. In general, the types of risks being hedged by the Company are related to the variability of future cash flows caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates and hedging the impact of variability of foreign exchange rates on recorded intercompany assets or liabilities. Lydall’s objective for entering into derivative instruments has always been for risk management purposes. The Company does not engage in derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Lydall has historically not been a party to a significant number of derivative instruments.
	Revenue recognition — The Company recognizes revenue (1) once evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) product delivery has occurred; (3) pricing is fixed or determinable; and (4) collection is reasonably assured. The four criteria required to recognize revenue are considered to be met, and the passage of title to the customer occurs, at the respective FOB point and, therefore, revenue is recognized at that time. The Company’s standard sales and shipping terms are FOB shipping point, therefore, substantially all revenue is recognized upon shipment. However, the Company conducts business with certain customers on FOB destination terms and in these instances revenue is recognized upon receipt by the customer. The Company generally does not provide specific customer inspection or acceptance provisions in its sales terms, with the exception of tooling sales discussed in “Pre-production design and development costs” above.
	Sales returns and allowances are recorded as identified or communicated by the customer and internally approved. The Company does not provide customers with general rights of return for products sold; however, in limited circumstances, the Company will allow sales returns and allowances from customers if the products sold do not conform to specifications.
	Shipping and handling costs consist primarily of costs incurred to deliver products to customers and internal costs related to preparing products for shipment and are recorded in cost of sales. Amounts billed to customers as shipping and handling are classified as revenue.
	Research and development — Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and amounted to $9.0 million in 2014, $7.6 million in 2013, and $7.7 million in 2012. Research and development costs were primarily comprised of development personnel salaries, prototype material costs and testing and trials of new products.
	Earnings per share — Basic earnings per common share are equal to net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share are equal to net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including the effect of stock options and stock awards, if such effect is dilutive.
	Income taxes — The provision for income taxes is based upon income reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of income and expense recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for tax purposes. In the event the Company was to determine that it would not be able to realize all or a portion of its deferred tax assets in the future, the Company would record a valuation allowance through a charge to income in the period that such determination was made. Conversely, if the Company was to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net carrying amounts, the Company would decrease the recorded valuation allowance and record an increase to income in the period that such determination was made.
	Translation of foreign currencies — Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Any resulting translation gains or losses are reported in other comprehensive income (loss).
	Stock options and share grants — The Company accounts for awards of equity instruments under the fair value method of accounting and recognizes such amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the entire award. Stock-based compensation expense includes the estimated effects of forfeitures, and such estimates of forfeitures are adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. The effect of changes in estimated forfeitures is recognized in the period of change and also impacts the amount of expense to be recognized in future periods. The Company estimates the fair value of option grants based on the Black Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatility and expected term are based on historical information. The Company believes that its future volatility and expected term are not likely to materially differ from the Company’s historical stock price volatility and historical exercise data, respectively. Compensation expense for all restricted stock awards is recorded based on the market value of the stock on the grant date and recognized as expense over the vesting period of the award. Compensation expense for performance-based restricted stock is also impacted by the probability of achieving the performance targets.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (Topic 740). This ASU required entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in their financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The objective of this update is to eliminate the diversity in practice in the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	On February 20, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of certain industrial filtration businesses of Andrew Industries Limited, an Altham, United Kingdom based corporation. The Industrial Filtration business serves a global customer base in the manufacture of non-woven felt filtration media and filter bags used primarily in industrial air filtration applications including power, cement, asphalt, incineration, food and pharmaceutical. This business, which strengthened the Company’s position as an industry leading, global provider of filtration and engineered materials products, added complementary and new technologies and diversified the Company’s end markets and geographic base. The Company acquired the Industrial Filtration business for $86.9 million in cash (including cash acquired of $7.5 million and a post-closing adjustment payment of $0.2 million to Andrew Industries Limited) and with no debt being acquired. The purchase price was financed with a combination of cash on hand and $60.0 million of borrowings through the Company’s amended $100 million credit facility.
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company incurred $2.6 million of transaction related costs. These costs include investment banker fees, legal fees and other professional services fees to complete the transaction and have been recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as corporate office selling, product development and administrative expenses.
	The operating results of the Industrial Filtration business have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations since February 20, 2014, the date of the acquisition. The Industrial Filtration business is being reported as a separate reportable segment. From the date of the acquisition through December 31, 2014, the Industrial Filtration segment reported net sales and operating income of $112.2 million and $6.4 million, respectively. Operating income from the date of the acquisition through the year ended December 31, 2014 included $2.1 million of purchase accounting inventory fair value step-up adjustments in cost of sales upon the sale of inventory. The total purchase accounting inventory fair value step-up adjustment included in the balance sheet at the acquisition date was $2.1 million.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
	In thousands
	Cash	$	7,493
	Accounts Receivable	26,779
	Inventory	25,046
	Other current assets	2,894
	Property, plant and equipment	38,780
	Deferred Taxes	2,501
	Intangible assets (Note 5)	5,596
	Goodwill (Note 5)	3,943
	Total assets acquired	113,032
	Other liabilities	(18,002		)
	Deferred taxes	(8,130		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(26,132		)
	Net assets acquired	$	86,900
	The final purchase price allocation was subject to post-closing adjustments pursuant to the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement with Andrews Industries Limited. As a result, in the third quarter of 2014, the Company paid an additional $0.2 million to Andrews Industries Limited, representing the final post-closing adjustment.
	The following table reflects the unaudited pro forma operating results of the Company for years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, which give effect to the acquisition of Industrial Filtration as if it had occurred on January 1, 2013. The pro forma information includes the historical financial results of the Company and Industrial Filtration. The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred had the acquisition been effective January 1, 2013, nor are they intended to be indicative of results that may occur in the future.The pro forma information does not include the effects of any synergies related to the acquisition.
		(Unaudited Pro Forma)
		For The Years Ended
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013
	Net Sales	$	553,345		$	525,134
	Net Income	$	26,302		$	21,500
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	1.58		$	1.3
	Diluted	$	1.55		$	1.27
	Pro forma earnings during the year ended December 31, 2014 were adjusted to exclude non-recurring items such as acquisition-related costs of $2.6 million and expense related to the fair value adjustment to inventory of $2.1 million, and to include additional amortization of the acquired Industrial Filtration intangible assets recognized at fair value in purchase accounting as well as additional interest expense associated with borrowings under the Company’s Amended Credit Facility. No amount is included in the pro forma earnings during the year ended December 31, 2014 related to inventory fair value adjustments which would have been recognized in cost of sales as the corresponding inventory would have been completely sold during 2013.
	Pro forma earnings during the year ended December 31, 2013 were adjusted to include acquisition-related costs of $2.6 million and expense of $2.6 million related to the amortization of the fair value adjustments to inventory and additional amortization of the acquired Industrial Filtration intangible assets recognized at fair value in purchase accounting as well as $0.9 million of interest expense associated with borrowings under the Company’s Amended Credit Facility. Pro forma earnings during the year ended December 31, 2013 were adjusted to exclude acquisition-related costs of $1.2 million from 2013 which would have been included in the year ended December 31, 2012 if the acquisition had been effective January 1, 2013.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	21,248		$	11,944
	Work in process	15,753			14,546
	Finished goods	15,348			9,537
		52,349			36,027
	Less: Progress billings	(1,108		)	(1,110		)
	Total inventories	$	51,241		$	34,917
	Included in work in process is gross tooling inventory of $9.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Tooling inventory, net of progress billings, was $8.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Estimated	December 31,
	In thousands	Useful Lives	2014			2013
	Land	–	$	2,773		$	2,215
	Buildings and improvements	10-35 years	56,562			48,779
	Machinery and equipment	5-25 years	197,804			166,747
	Office equipment	2-8 years	31,139			33,649
	Vehicles	3-6 years	930			561
	Assets under capital leases:
	Land	–	609			692
	Buildings and improvements	10-35 years	5,345			6,072
			295,162			258,715
	Accumulated depreciation		(186,510		)	(183,535		)
	Accumulated amortization of capital leases		(2,944		)	(3,078		)
			105,708			72,102
	Construction in progress		9,649			6,761
	Total property, plant and equipment		$	115,357		$	78,863
	Depreciation expense was $16.7 million in 2014, $12.1 million in 2013, and $12.8 million in 2012.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Gross and net carrying amounts of goodwill at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	In thousands	Performance Materials			Industrial Filtration				Thermal/ Acoustical Metals			Other Products and Services				Totals
	Goodwill	$	13,929		$	—			$	12,160		$	5,787			$	31,876
	Accumulated amortization/impairment	—			—				(12,160		)	(1,127		)		(13,287		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	13,929			—				—			4,660				18,589
	Goodwill	13,340			3,943				12,160			5,787				35,230
	Accumulated amortization/impairment	—			—				(12,160		)	(1,127		)		(13,287		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	13,340		$	3,943			$	—		$	4,660			$	21,943
	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill in 2013 and 2014 were as follows:
	In thousands	Performance Materials			Industrial Filtration				Other Products and Services			Totals
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	13,622		$	—			$	4,660		$	18,282
	Goodwill adjustment	110			—				—			110
	Currency translation adjustment	197			—				—			197
	Balance at December 31, 2013	13,929			—				4,660			18,589
	Goodwill adjustment	—			3,943				—			3,943
	Currency translation adjustment	(589		)	—				—			(589		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	13,340		$	3,943			$	4,660		$	21,943
	Goodwill Associated with Acquisitions and Divestitures
	The goodwill associated with the Industrial Filtration segment results from the acquisition of the Industrial Filtration business on February 20, 2014. The amount allocated to goodwill is reflective of the benefits the Company expects to realize from the entrance into new global markets and Industrial Filtration's assembled workforce. None of the recognized goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.
	The goodwill adjustment of $0.1 million in 2013 was related to the acquisition of DSM Solutech B.V. (“Solutech”) in December 2008. Lydall was obligated to pay to the Seller payments based on the net revenues of Solutech for a period of five years beginning on December 1, 2008 and ending on November 30, 2013 (“Contingent Consideration”). This Contingent Consideration equaled 4% of Solutech’s net revenues, as defined, during each of the periods. The value of the Contingent Consideration when paid was added to the original cost of the acquisition and increased the amount of goodwill previously recorded, as the acquisition occurred prior to the revised guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (ASC 805) for business combinations.
	Goodwill Impairment Testing
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company performed its annual impairment analysis of the $13.3 million of goodwill in the Performance Materials reporting unit (PM reporting unit), $3.9 million in the Industrial Filtration reporting unit (IF reporting unit) and $4.7 million of goodwill in the Life Sciences Vital Fluids reporting unit (VF reporting unit), included in OPS.
	After considering changes in assumptions used in the Company's most recent quantitative annual testing, including the capital markets environment, economic conditions, industry trends, changes in results of operations, the magnitude of the excess of fair value over the carrying value, and other factors, the Company concluded it was not necessary to perform the two-step impairment test for the PM or VF reporting unit as it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value. As a result, the Company concluded that the PM and VF reporting unit goodwill was not impaired.
	The Company also used the qualitative method to analyze the goodwill for IF reporting unit, which was acquired in February 2014. When considering capital markets environment, economic conditions, industry trends, results of operations, and other factors the Company determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.
	Other Intangible Assets
	The table below presents the gross carrying amount and, as applicable, the accumulated amortization of the Company’s acquired intangible assets other than goodwill included in “Other intangible assets, net” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			December 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	In thousands		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization				Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets
	License agreements		$	818		$	(818	)		$	881		$	(881	)
	Technology		2,500			(143		)		—			—
	Customer Relationships		2,477			(195		)		—			—
	Patents		6,037			(3,274		)		6,766			(3,307		)
	Other		691			(252		)		278			(227		)
	Total amortized intangible assets		$	12,523		$	(4,682	)		$	7,925		$	(4,415	)
	During 2014, the Company recognized $5.6 million of intangible assets as a result of the Industrial Filtration acquisition, including $2.5 million in both technology and customer relationships and $0.6 million in other. As of December 31, 2014, the weighted average useful life of the Industrial Filtration intangible assets was approximately 12 years.
	Amortization of all intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $0.9 million, $0.4 million, and $0.8 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets is expected to be $0.8 million for each of the years ending December 31, 2015 through 2018, and $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2014, the weighted average useful life of intangible assets was approximately 11 years.
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company performed an impairment analysis for long-lived assets at the Company’s DSM Solutech B.V. (“Solutech”) operation, included in the Performance Materials segment. During 2014, Solutech generated cash flow in excess of amounts projected in the impairment analysis completed in the third quarter of 2013. Although 2014 results were more favorable than forecasted, there was still a cash flow loss for 2014. Cash flow losses caused by a delay in commercialization of Solutech products to the market place by Solutech’s customers, are expected to continue in 2015. As a result of these negative cash flows, combined with historical operating losses, the Company determined that it was appropriate to test the Solutech asset group for recoverability in the fourth quarter of 2014. Acquisition related intangibles with a remaining useful life of 9 years primarily comprise the carrying value of the asset group of $3.4 million. To determine the recoverability of the Solutech asset group the Company completed an undiscounted cash flow analysis and compared it to the asset group carrying value. This analysis was primarily dependent on the increase in net sales over the period when the business has technological exclusivity provided by the intangible assets.
	The Company determined that the Solutech asset group had undiscounted cash flow which was in excess of its carrying value and, as a result, the asset group was not impaired at December 31, 2014. The estimate of undiscounted cash flows of the Solutech long-lived asset group was based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment, which incorporated management assumptions around cash flows generated from future operations, the estimated economic useful life of the primary asset within the Solutech long-lived asset group, as well as other market information. The Company performed various sensitivity analyses noting that a more conservative scenario of high single digit revenue growth and an appropriate related cost structure, the undiscounted cash flows exceeded the carrying value with no impairment indicated. As of December 31, 2014, the Company expects to meet the cash flow forecasts included in the impairment analysis. Future cash flows are dependent on the success of commercialization efforts of Solutech products by OEMs, the quality of Solutech products and technology advancements and management’s ability to manage costs. In the event that Solutech’s cash flows in the future do not meet current expectations, management, based upon conditions at the time, would consider taking actions as necessary to maximize cash flow. Accordingly, the above sensitivity analysis, while a useful tool, should not be used as a sole predictor of future impairment. A thorough analysis of all the facts and circumstances existing at the time would need to be performed to determine if recording an impairment loss was appropriate.

Longterm_Debt_and_Financing_Ar

Long-term Debt and Financing Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Financing Arrangements	Long-term Debt and Financing Arrangements
	On February 18, 2014, the Company amended and restated its $35 million senior secured domestic revolving credit facility (“Amended Credit Facility”) with a financial institution and two additional lenders, increasing the available borrowing from $35 million to $100 million. The Amended Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company. The maturity date for the Amended Credit Facility is January 31, 2019, at which time amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility are due and payable. The Company entered into this Amended Credit Facility in part to fund a majority of the purchase price of the Industrial Filtration acquisition.
	Under the terms of the Amended Credit Facility, the lenders are providing a $100 million revolving credit facility to the Company, under which the lenders may make revolving loans and issue letters of credit to or for the benefit of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Amended Credit Facility may be increased by an aggregate amount not to exceed $50 million through an accordion feature, subject to specified conditions.
	The Amended Credit Facility contains a number of affirmative and negative covenants, including financial and operational covenants. The Company is required to meet a minimum interest coverage ratio. The interest coverage ratio requires that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, the ratio of consolidated EBIT to Consolidated Interest Charges, both as defined in the Amended Credit Facility, may not be less than 2.0 to 1.0 for the immediately preceding 12 month period. In addition, the Company must maintain a Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Amended Credit Facility, as of the end of each fiscal quarter of no greater than 3.0 to 1.0. The Company must also meet minimum consolidated EBITDA as of the end of each fiscal quarter for the preceding 12 month period of $30.0 million. The Company was in compliance with all covenants during 2014 and at December 31, 2014.
	Interest is charged on borrowings at the Company’s option of either: (i) Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate, or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate plus the Applicable Rate. The Base Rate is a fluctuating rate equal to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) the prime rate as set by Bank of America, and (c) the Eurocurrency Rate plus 1.00%. The Eurocurrency Rate means (i) if denominated in LIBOR quoted currency, a fluctuating LIBOR per annum rate equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate; (ii) if denominated in Canadian Dollars, the rate per annum equal to the Canadian Dealer Offered Rate; or (iii) the rate per annum as designated with respect to such alternative currency at the time such alternative currency is approved by the Lenders. The Applicable Rate is determined based on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement). The Applicable Rate added to the Base Rate Committed Loans ranges from 15 basis points to 100 basis points, and the Applicable Rate added to Eurocurrency Rate Committed Loans and Letters of Credit ranges from 75 basis points to 175 basis points. The Company pays a quarterly fee ranging from 20 basis points to 30 basis points on the unused portion of the $100 million available under the Amended Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2014, the Company had borrowing availability of $57.7 million under the Amended Credit Facility net of $40.0 million of borrowings outstanding and standby letters of credit outstanding of $2.3 million.
	The Company’s previous $35 million senior secured domestic revolving credit facility (“Domestic Credit Facility”) that was outstanding at December 31, 2013, was entered into on June 16, 2011. The Domestic Credit Facility was secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company. The maturity date for the Domestic Credit Facility was June 15, 2016. The Company had no borrowings under the Domestic Credit Facility during 2013 and no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2013. The Company was in compliance with all covenants during 2013 and at December 31, 2013.
	The Company has a capital lease agreement for the land and building at the St. Nazaire, France operating facility, included in the Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment, requiring monthly principal and interest payments through 2016. The capital lease provides an option for the Company to purchase the land and building at the end of the lease for a nominal amount.
	Total outstanding debt consists of:
				December 31,
	In thousands	Effective Rate	Maturity	2014			2013
	Revolver Loan, due January 31, 2019	1.42%	2019	$	40,000		$	—
	Capital Lease, land and building, St. Nazaire, France	5.44%	2016	893			1,647
	Capital Lease, manufacturing equipment, Hamptonville, North Carolina	5.00%	2017	37			67
				40,930			1,714
	Less portion due within one year			(615		)	(663		)
	Total long-term debt			$	40,315		$	1,051
	As of December 31, 2014, total debt maturing in 2015 and 2016 was $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively. There was no debt outstanding that matures in 2017 or 2018, and $40.0 million maturing in 2019.
	The weighted average interest rate on long-term debt was 1.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared with 5.4% for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The fair values of the Company’s long-term debt are determined using discounted cash flows based upon the Company’s estimated current interest cost for similar type borrowings or current market value, which falls under Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying values of the long-term debt approximate fair market value.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Capital Stock
	Preferred Stock — The Company has authorized Preferred Stock with a par value of $1.00. None of the 500,000 authorized shares have been issued.
	Common Stock — As of December 31, 2014, 7,472 Lydall stockholders of record held 17,318,680 shares of Common Stock.
	Dividend policy — The Company does not pay a cash dividend on its Common Stock. The Company’s Amended Credit Facility does not place any restrictions on cash dividend payments, so long as the payments do not place the Company in default.

Employer_Sponsored_Benefit_Pla

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employer Sponsored Benefit Plan	Employer Sponsored Benefit Plan
	The Company maintains a domestic defined benefit pension plan, which covers certain domestic Lydall employees, is noncontributory and benefits are based on either years of service or eligible compensation paid while a participant is in a plan. The plan has been closed to new employees for several years and benefits under the pension plan are no longer accruing.
	The Company’s funding policy for its domestic defined benefit pension plan is to fund not less than the ERISA minimum funding standard and not more than the maximum amount that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes.
	Plan assets and benefit obligations of the domestic defined benefit pension plan are as follows:
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014				2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Net benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	53,427			$	60,020
	Interest cost	2,348				2,453
	Actuarial loss (gain)	7,654				(6,900		)
	Gross benefits paid	(12,602		)		(2,146		)
	Net benefit obligation at end of year	$	50,827			$	53,427
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	40,680			$	36,355
	Actual return on plan assets	945				5,226
	Contributions	4,252				1,245
	Gross benefits paid	(12,602		)		(2,146		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	33,275			$	40,680
	Net benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	$	(17,552	)		$	(12,747	)
	Balance sheet amounts:
	Noncurrent liabilities	$	(17,552	)		$	(12,747	)
	Total liabilities	$	(17,552	)		$	(12,747	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax consist of:
	Net actuarial loss	$	17,228			$	14,830
	Net amount recognized	$	17,228			$	14,830
	At December 31, 2014, in addition to the accrued benefit liability of $17.6 million recognized for the Company’s domestic defined benefit pension plan, the Company also had foreign regulatory labor agreements with an accrued benefit liability of $1.4 million and accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, of $0.4 million.
	At December 31, 2013, in addition to the accrued benefit liability of $12.7 million recognized for the Company’s domestic defined benefit pension plan, the Company also had an accrued benefit liability of $1.2 million and accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, related to foreign regulatory labor agreements of $0.2 million.
	The domestic defined benefit pension plan liability, net of tax, included in other comprehensive income increased by $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and decreased $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. These changes are mainly due to changes in pension assumptions, primarily the discount and mortality rates.
	Aggregated information for the domestic defined benefit pension plan with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is provided in the tables below:
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014				2013
	Projected benefit obligation	$	50,827			$	53,427
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	50,827			$	53,427
	Fair value of plan assets	$	33,275			$	40,680
	Components of net periodic benefit cost for the domestic pension plan:
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014				2013				2012
	Interest cost	$	2,348			$	2,453			$	2,583
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,798		)		(2,691		)		(2,559		)
	Amortization of actuarial net loss	725				1,069				918
	Pension settlement cost	4,914				—				—
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	5,189			$	831			$	942
	On April 1, 2014, the Company offered a voluntary one-time lump sum payment option to certain former U.S. employees who were vested defined benefit plan participants and not currently receiving monthly payments from the Company's domestic pension plan. The election period for this voluntary offer ended in the second quarter of 2014. Approximately 62% of eligible participants elected to receive a one-time lump sum payout resulting in $10.3 million being paid out of domestic pension plan assets in July 2014. This payout required a re-measurement of the domestic pension plan and a partial plan settlement charge, which resulted in a non-cash pre-tax loss of $4.9 million in net periodic pension benefit expense, which was recorded in selling, product development and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2014, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholder’s equity, net of $1.9 million tax benefit. The non-cash charge was required to accelerate the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses in the domestic pension plan.
	It is estimated that $0.9 million of actuarial net loss will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit costs for the domestic pension plan in 2015.
	The major assumptions used in determining the year-end benefit obligation and annual net cost for the domestic pension plan are presented in the following table:
		Benefit Obligation						Net Cost
	For the years ended December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013		2012
	Discount rate	4.16	%		5.09	%		5.09	%		4.16	%	5	%
	Expected return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.25	%		7.25	%		7.5	%	7.75	%
	The year-end benefit obligation increased primarily due to a reduction in the assumed discount rate from 5.09% as of December 31, 2013 to 4.16% as of December 31, 2014. During 2014, the Company adopted the new RP-2014 mortality table and mortality improvement scale BB-2D in determining the liability for its domestic defined benefit plan. This new table, along with the change in the discount rate, caused the increase in the actuarial loss recognized during 2014 and the increased projected benefit obligation.
	At December 31, 2013, the domestic defined benefit pension plan mortality assumption was based on the RP-2000 mortality table using mortality improvement scale AA. In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries issued an updated set of mortality tables and improvement scale collectively known as RP-2014 and MP-2014, respectively. The Company has reviewed the findings and recommendations of these reports with their actuary. Based on that review, the Company has elected to utilize the Society of Actuaries' base mortality scale RP-2014 with the BB-2D mortality improvement scale, as the Company believes the BB-2D mortality improvement table more accurately reflects recent rates of mortality improvement since 2006 for the general population compared to the MP-2014 table.
	Plan Assets
	The domestic defined benefit pension plan is administered by an Administrative Committee and an Investment Committee, which are appointed by the Board of Directors. The Investment Committee’s responsibilities are to establish a funding policy for the Lydall Pooled Pension Investment Trust (“the Trust”) and to appoint and oversee the investment advisors responsible for the Trust’s investments. The Investment Committee is a named fiduciary under the plan with respect to management of the Trust’s investments. The assets of the domestic defined benefit pension plan are invested in the Trust for the purpose of investment diversification. In determining the expected return on plan assets, the Investment Committee considers the relative weighting of plan assets, the historical performance of marketable debt and equity securities and economic and other indicators of future performance.
	Investment management objectives include maintaining an adequate level of diversification to balance market risk and to provide sufficient liquidity for near-term payments of benefits accrued under the domestic pension plan and to pay the expenses of administration. The long-term investment objective of the Trust is to achieve a total return equal to or greater than the Trust’s actuarially assumed rate of return, currently 7.25%. Though it is the intent of the Investment Committee to achieve income and growth, that intent does not include taking extraordinary risks or engaging in investment activities not commonly considered prudent under the standards imposed by ERISA. The Investment Committee defines risk as the probability of not meeting the Trust’s objectives and the probability of not meeting the Trust’s liability requirements. The allowable investments include: exchange-traded stocks, over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depository receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies, real estate investment trusts and equity participation, obligations of foreign governments, obligations of international agencies, obligations issued by the U.S. government, mortgage related and other asset-backed securities, corporate debt securities, inflation-index bonds issued by corporations, structured notes, delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities, bank certificates of deposit, debt securities issued by state of local governments, and money market funds. Prohibited investments include: venture capital investments, direct investment in real estate properties, CMO derivatives, hedge funds, Lydall, Inc. securities, and commodities.
	The Investment Committee’s target asset allocation seeks to control risk through portfolio diversification and takes into account, among other factors, objectives discussed above, current funding levels, cash flow conditions and economic and industry trends. Equity securities include investments in large-cap and mid/small-cap companies primarily located in the United States, non-U.S. equities, and emerging market equities. Fixed income securities include fixed income mutual bond funds and common and collective funds.
	The following table presents the target allocation of pension plan assets for 2015 and the actual allocation of plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 by major asset category:
		Target Allocation		Actual Allocation of Plan Assets
				December 31,
	Asset Category	2015		2014			2013
	Equity securities:
	U.S. Equity	22% - 60%		43	%		37	%
	Non-U.S.	15% - 25%		19	%		23	%
	Emerging Markets	3% - 9%		6	%		7	%
	Fixed income securities:
U.S. Bond funds	12% - 38%		26	%		26	%
Non-U.S. Bond funds	2% - 8%		3	%		5	%
Real estate investment trusts	0% - 8%		—	%		—	%
Cash and cash equivalents	0% - 5%		3	%		2	%
The investments of the Trust are stated at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The asset’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The framework for measuring fair value provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).
Equity securities, which consist primarily of common stocks, are valued at the closing price reported in the active market in which individual securities are traded. Short-term cash funds, mutual funds, bond funds and real estate investment trusts are valued at the net asset value of shares held by the plan at year end as reported in the active market in which the funds are traded.
The Trust’s purchases and sales of securities are recorded on a trade date basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividends are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Trust’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
31-Dec-14
In thousands	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
Equity securities:
U.S. Equity	$	14,272			$	—			$	—		$	14,272
Non-U.S.	6,432				—				—			6,432
Emerging Markets	1,896				—				—			1,896
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Bond funds	8,528				—				—			8,528
Non-U.S. Bond funds	917				—				—			917
Real estate investment trusts	170				—				—			170
Cash and cash equivalents	1,060				—				—			1,060
Total Assets at Fair Value	$	33,275			$	—			$	—		$	33,275
31-Dec-13
In thousands	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
Equity securities:
U.S. Equity	$	15,141			$	—			$	—		$	15,141
Non-U.S.	9,465				—				—			9,465
Emerging Markets	2,713				—				—			2,713
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Bond funds	10,461				—				—			10,461
Non-U.S. Bond funds	1,847				—				—			1,847
Real estate investment trusts	155				—				—			155
Cash and cash equivalents	898				—				—			898
Total Assets at Fair Value	$	40,680			$	—			$	—		$	40,680
Estimated Future Contributions and Benefit Payments
The Company expects to contribute approximately $0.9 million in cash to its domestic defined benefit pension plan in 2015. Estimated future benefit payments for the next 10 years are as follows:
In thousands	2015				2016				2017			2018		2019		2020-2024
Benefit payments	$	2,337			$	2,365			$	2,430		$	2,510	$	2,647	$	14,490
Employee Savings Plan
The Company also sponsors a 401(k) Plan. Employer contributions to this plan amounted to $2.1 million in 2014, $1.7 million in 2013, and $1.6 million in 2012. Matching contributions by the Company are made on employee pretax contributions up to five percent of compensation, with the first three percent matched at 100% and the next two percent matched at 50%.

Equity_Compensation_Plans

Equity Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Equity Compensation Plans	Equity Compensation Plans
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s equity compensation plans consisted of the 2003 Stock Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2003 Plan”) and the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan” and together with the 2003 Plan, the “Plans”) under which incentive and non-qualified stock options and time and performance based restricted shares have been granted to employees and directors from authorized but unissued shares of common stock or treasury shares. The 2003 Plan is not active, but continues to govern all outstanding awards granted under the plan until the awards themselves are exercised or terminate in accordance with their terms. The 2012 Plan, approved by shareholders on April 27, 2012, authorized 1,750,000 shares of common stock for awards. The 2012 Plan also authorizes an additional 1,200,000 shares of common stock to the extent awards granted under prior stock plans that were outstanding as of April 27, 2012 are forfeited. The 2012 Plan provides for the following type of awards: options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards.
	The Company accounts for the expense of all share-based compensation by measuring the awards at fair value on the date of grant. The Company recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the entire award. Options issued by the Company under its stock option plans have a term of ten years and generally vest ratably over a period of three to four years. Time-based restricted stock grants are expensed over the vesting period of the award, which is typically two to four years. The number of performance based restricted shares that vest or forfeit depend upon achievement of certain targets during the performance period. Stock-based compensation expense includes the estimated effects of forfeitures. Compensation expense for performance based awards is recorded based upon management’s assessment of the probability of achieving the performance goals and service period and will be adjusted based upon actual achievement. Stock options issued under the current plan must have an exercise price that may not be less than the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant. The Plans provide for automatic acceleration of vesting in the event of a change in control of the Company. Upon the exercise of a stock option under the Plans, shares are issued from authorized shares or treasury shares held by the Company.
	The Company incurred compensation expense of $2.8 million, $1.8 million, and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, for all stock-based compensation plans, including restricted stock awards. No compensation costs were capitalized as part of inventory. The associated tax benefit realized was $2.5 million, $1.0 million, and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Stock Options
	The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the years ended December 31:
		2014			2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.6	%		1.7	%	1.4	%
	Expected life	5.1 years			5.2 years		5.7 years
	Expected volatility	46	%		65	%	68	%
	Expected dividend yield	—	%		—	%	—	%
	The following is a summary of the option activity as of December 31, 2014 and changes during the year then ended:
	In thousands except per share amounts and years
		Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price			Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	758		$	10.32
	Granted	132		$	27.96
	Exercised	-277		$	8.87
	Forfeited/Cancelled	-4		$	9.24
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	609		$	14.81		7		$	10,967
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	321		$	9.99		5.2		$	7,323
	Expected to vest at December 31, 2014	261		$	19.78		8.9		$	3,408
	The Company granted 131,800, 75,279, and 146,500 stock options during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the years 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $11.85, $9.41, and $7.79, respectively. There were 277,006 options exercised in 2014, 158,322 options exercised in 2013, and 129,675 options exercised in 2012. The intrinsic value for options exercised during 2014 was $5.0 million and the associated tax benefit realized from stock options exercised was $1.8 million. The total intrinsic value for options exercised during 2013 was $1.0 million and the associated tax benefit realized from stock options exercised was $0.3 million. The total intrinsic value for options exercised during 2012 was $0.7 million and the associated tax benefit realized from stock options exercised was $0.2 million. The amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options was $2.5 million in 2014, $1.5 million in 2013, and $1.0 million in 2012. At December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards was approximately $2.0 million, with a weighted average expected amortization period of 3.1 years.
	Restricted Stock
	The following is a summary of the Company’s unvested restricted shares for the year ended and as of December 31, 2014:
	In thousands except per share amounts
	Outstanding Restricted Shares	Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	308		$	12.99
	Granted	253		$	22.93
	Vested	-96		$	9.41
	Forfeited/Cancelled	-6		$	16.48
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	459		$	19.17
	Expected to vest at December 31, 2014	431		$	19.5
	Restricted stock includes both performance-based and time-based awards. Compensation for restricted stock is recorded based on the market value of the stock on the grant date and amortized to expense over the vesting period of the award. The Company granted 204,800, 95,090, and 114,500 shares of performance-based restricted stock during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company granted 48,649 shares of time-based restricted stock in 2014, 29,480 shares in 2013, and 73,750 in 2012. The weighted average fair value per share of restricted stock granted was $22.93, $16.01, and $12.56 during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. During 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, there were 6,212, 10,565, and 171,369 shares of restricted stock forfeited. The fair value of awards for which restrictions lapsed during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $2.2 million, $1.6 million, and $0.6 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards was approximately $4.8 million, with a weighted average expected amortization period of 2.2 years.
	Stock Repurchase Program
	In April 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program (the “2012 Stock Repurchase Program”) which authorized the Company to repurchase up to 1.0 million shares of its common stock.
	The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the year ended December 31, 2014 under the 2012 Stock Repurchase Program. As of December 31, 2014, there were 267,089 shares remaining and authorized for repurchase under the 2012 Stock Repurchase Program.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company purchased 33,252 shares of common stock valued at $0.8 million, through withholding, pursuant to provisions in agreements with recipients of restricted stock granted under the Company's equity compensation plans, which allow the Company to withhold the number of shares having fair value equal to each recipient's tax withholding due.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	On February 20, 2014, the Company acquired the Industrial Filtration business from Andrew Industries Limited, which is being reported as a separate reportable segment since the acquisition date. Segment information is consistent with how management reviews the businesses, makes investing and resource allocation decisions and assesses operating performance.
	The Company’s reportable segments are Performance Materials, Industrial Filtration, Thermal/Acoustical Metals, and Thermal/Acoustical Fibers. Other Products and Services (“OPS”) includes Life Sciences Vital Fluids.
	Performance Materials Segment
	The Performance Materials segment includes filtration media solutions primarily for air, fluid power, and industrial applications (“Filtration”), air and liquid life science applications (“Life Sciences Filtration”), and thermal insulation solutions for building products, appliances, and energy and industrial markets (“Thermal Insulation”).
	Filtration products include LydAir® MG (Micro-Glass) Air Filtration Media, LydAir® MB (Melt Blown) Air Filtration Media, LydAir® SC (Synthetic Composite) Air Filtration Media, and Arioso™ Membrane Composite Media. These products constitute the critical media component of clean-air systems for applications in clean-space, commercial, industrial and residential HVAC, power generation, and industrial processes. Lydall has leveraged its extensive technical expertise and applications knowledge into a suite of media products covering the vast liquid filtration landscape across the engine and industrial fields. The LyPore® Liquid Filtration Media series address a variety of application needs in fluid power including hydraulic filters, air-water and air-oil coalescing, industrial fluid processes and diesel fuel filtration.
	Life Sciences Filtration products have been developed to meet the requirements of life science applications including biopharmaceutical pre-filtration and clarification, diagnostic and analytical testing, respiratory protection, life protection, medical air filtration, drinking water filtration and high purity process filtration such as that found in food and beverage and medical applications. Lydall also offers Solupor® Membrane specialty microporous membranes that are utilized in various markets and applications including air and liquid filtration and transdermal drug delivery. Solupor® membranes are made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and incorporate a unique combination of mechanical strength, chemical inertness, and high porosity in a unique open structure.
	Thermal Insulation products are high performance non-woven veils, papers, mats and specialty composites for the building products, appliance, and energy and industrial markets. The Manniglas® Thermal Insulation brand is diverse in its product application ranging from high temperature seals and gaskets in ovens and ranges to specialty veils for HVAC and cavity wall insulation. The appLY® Mat Needled Glass Mats have been developed to expand Lydall’s high temperature technology portfolio for broad application into the appliance market and supplements the Lytherm® Insulation Media product brand, traditionally utilized in the industrial market for kilns and furnaces used in metal processing. Lydall’s Cryotherm® Super-Insulating Media, CRS-Wrap® Super-Insulating Media and Cryo-Lite™ Cryogenic Insulation products are industry standards for state-of-the-art cryogenic insulation designs used by manufacturers of cryogenic equipment for liquid gas storage, piping, and transportation.
	Industrial Filtration Segment
	The Industrial Filtration segment includes non-woven felt media and filter bags used primarily in industrial air and liquid filtration applications. Non-woven filter media is the most commonly used filter technology to satisfy increasing emission control regulations in a wide range of industries, including power, cement, steel, asphalt, incineration, mining, food, and pharmaceutical. The business also produces non-woven media that is used in automotive and other commercial applications.
	Industrial Filtration segment products include air and liquid filtration media sold under the brand names Fiberlox® high performance filtration felts, Checkstatic™ conductive filtration felts, Microfelt® high efficiency filtration felts, Pleatlox® pleatable filtration felts, Ultratech™ PTFE filtration felts, Powertech® and Powerlox® power generation filtration felts, Microcap® high efficiency liquid filtration felts, Duotech membrane composite filtration felts, along with traditional scrim supported filtration felts. Industrial Filtration also offers extensive finishing and coating capabilities which provide custom engineered properties tailored to meet the most demanding filtration applications. The business leverages a wide range of fiber types and extensive technical capabilities to provide filtration products that meet our customers’ needs across a variety of applications providing both high filtration performance and durability.
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment
	The Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment offers a full range of innovative engineered products to assist in noise and heat abatement within the transportation sector. Lydall products are found in underbody (tunnel, fuel tank, exhaust, rear muffler and spare tire) and under hood (engine compartment, turbo charger, and manifolds) of cars, trucks, SUVs, heavy duty trucks and recreational vehicles.
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment products are stamped metal combinations which provide thermal and acoustical shielding solutions for the global automotive and truck markets. Thermal/Acoustical Metals products include AMS®, which is an all metal shield designed to be used in various vehicle applications, and Direct Exhaust Mount Heat shields, which are mounted to high temperature surfaces like exhaust down-pipes or engine manifolds using aluminized and stainless steel with high performance heat absorbing materials. Additionally, a patented CLD (constraint layer damped) material is a lightweight material with characteristics to reduce vibration and parasitic noise on powertrain mounted heat shields.
	Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment
	The Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment offers a full line of innovative engineered products to assist in noise and heat abatement within the transportation sector. Lydall products are found in the interior (dash insulators), underbody (wheel well, fuel tank, exhaust) and under hood (engine compartment) of cars, trucks, SUVs, heavy duty trucks and recreational vehicles.
	Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment products offer thermal and acoustical insulating solutions comprised of organic and inorganic fiber composites for the automotive and truck markets primarily in North America. Lydall’s dBCore® is a lightweight acoustical composite that emphasizes absorption principles over heavy-mass type systems. Lydall’s dBLyte® is a high-performance acoustical barrier with sound absorption and blocking properties and can be used throughout a vehicle’s interior to minimize intrusive noise from an engine compartment and road. Lydall’s ZeroClearance® is an innovative thermal solution that utilizes an adhesive backing for attachment and is used to protect vehicle components from excessive heat. Lydall’s specially engineered wheel wells provide a solution with weight reduction and superior noise suppression capabilities over conventional designs.
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment and Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segment operating results include allocations of certain costs shared between the segments.
	Other Products and Services
	The Life Sciences Vital Fluids business offered specialty products for blood filtration devices, blood transfusion single-use containers and the design and manufacture of single-use solutions for cell growth, frozen storage and fluid handling, as well as equipment for bioprocessing applications.
	On January 30, 2015 the Company sold all of the outstanding shares of common stock of its Vital Fluids business, reported as Other Products and Services, for a cash purchase price of $29.9 million, subject to a post-closing adjustment (the "Disposition"). The Disposition was completed pursuant to a Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 30, 2015, by and among the Company, and the Buyer. The Company expects to recognize an after tax gain on the sale of this business of approximately $10 to $12 million in the first quarter of 2015.
	Net sales by segment and for OPS, as well as reconciling items, to equal to consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
	Consolidated Net Sales	For the Years Ended December 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Performance Materials Segment:
	Filtration	$	71,648		$	64,752		$	68,379
	Thermal Insulation	31,404			36,929			38,449
	Life Sciences Filtration	12,814			10,320			11,207
	Performance Materials Segment net sales	115,866			112,001			118,035
	Industrial Filtration Segment:
	Industrial Filtration	112,220			—			—
	Industrial Filtration net sales	112,220			—			—
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment:
	Metal parts	145,135			135,833			136,276
	Tooling	19,130			22,573			17,645
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment net sales	164,265			158,406			153,921
	Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment:
	Fiber parts	124,458			105,876			93,519
	Tooling	4,133			8,444			917
	Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment net sales	128,591			114,320			94,436
	Other Products and Services:
	Life Sciences Vital Fluids	19,682			17,175			16,853
	Other Products and Services net sales	19,682			17,175			16,853
	Eliminations and Other	(4,795		)	(3,933		)	(4,321		)
	Consolidated Net Sales	$	535,829		$	397,969		$	378,924
	Operating income by segment and for OPS and Corporate Office Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
	Operating Income	For the Years Ended December 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Performance Materials Segment	$	9,706		$	9,462		$	10,400
	Industrial Filtration Segment	6,412			—			—
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment	13,823			14,088			14,708
	Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment	29,167			21,486			12,851
	Other Products and Services:
	Life Sciences Vital Fluids	1,582			778			1,190
	Corporate Office Expenses	(26,642		)	(17,101		)	(17,771		)
	Consolidated Operating Income	$	34,048		$	28,713		$	21,378
	Operating results in 2014 were negatively impacted by $2.1 million of purchase accounting adjustments relating to inventory step-up for the Industrial Filtration segment and a $2.9 million commission settlement within the T/A Metals segment. Corporate Office Expenses in 2014 were negatively impacted by a $4.9 million non-cash pension plan settlement charge and $2.6 million of transaction related costs. Corporate Office Expenses in 2013 were impacted by $1.2 million of transaction related costs. Operating results in 2012 were impacted by a net gain on sale of a product line in the Performance Materials segment of $0.8 million and a loss on disposal of assets in Corporate Office Expenses and the Performance Materials segment of $1.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
	Total assets by segment and for OPS and the Corporate Office were as follows at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	Total Assets	December 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Performance Materials Segment	$	71,325		$	74,838		$	74,119
	Industrial Filtration Segment	100,201			—			—
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment	106,210			104,908			96,019
	Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment	33,109			30,176			26,830
Other Products and Services	11,580			11,866			11,195
Corporate Office	39,345			52,897			43,753
Total Assets	$	361,770		$	274,685		$	251,916
Total capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization by segment and for OPS and the Corporate Office for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
	Capital Expenditures									Depreciation and Amortization
In thousands	2014			2013			2012			2014		2013		2012
Performance Materials Segment	$	4,124		$	4,604		$	5,231		$	4,654	$	4,667	$	5,290
Industrial Filtration Segment	1,804			—			—			4,536		—		—
Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment	8,544			6,027			4,063			4,578		4,777		5,019
Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment	3,296			1,887			1,033			2,166		2,217		2,324
Other Products and Services	574			243			128			804		588		596
Corporate Office	659			1,065			949			908		454		453
Total	$	19,001		$	13,826		$	11,404		$	17,646	$	12,703	$	13,682
Net sales by geographic area for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and long-lived asset information by geographic area as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
	Net Sales									Long-Lived Assets
In thousands	2014			2013			2012			2014		2013		2012
United States	$	345,864		$	269,989		$	251,695		$	72,832	$	48,787	$	45,979
France	52,534			47,831			52,517			13,861		16,436		17,463
Germany	77,896			77,229			71,896			12,366		13,287		13,542
United Kingdom	26,387			—			—			7,601		—		—
China	29,401			—			—			11,225		—		—
Other	3,747			2,920			2,816			795		1,815		1,024
Total	$	535,829		$	397,969		$	378,924		$	118,680	$	80,325	$	78,008
Foreign sales are based on the country in which the sales originated (i.e., where the Company’s legal entity is domiciled). Sales to Ford Motor Company in 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $88.4 million, $79.7 million, and $71.2 million, respectively, and accounted for 16.5%, 20.0%, and 18.8% of Lydall’s net sales in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Sales to Chrysler Group LLC in 2013 and 2012 were $43.5 million and $38.0 million, respectively and accounted for 10.9% and 10.0% of Lydall's net sales in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These sales were reported in the Thermal/Acoustical Metal and Thermal/Acoustical Fiber segments. No other customers accounted for more than 10.0% of total net sales in 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consists of the following:
		For the years ended December 31,
	In thousands	2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	8,069			$	5,477			$	3,208
	State	1,334				709				265
	Foreign	3,883				2,032				2,352
	Total Current	13,286				8,218				5,825
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(42	)		$	1,609			$	(2,031	)
	State	(1,626		)		(1,144		)		(291		)
	Foreign	191				504				673
	Total Deferred	(1,477		)		969				(1,649		)
	Provision for income taxes	$	11,809			$	9,187			$	4,176
	The following is a reconciliation of the difference between the actual provision for income taxes from continuing operations and the provision computed by applying the federal statutory tax rate on earnings:
		For the years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes	0.8			2.9			2.2
	Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, including state	1.3			(1.8	)		(17.8	)
	Foreign dividends	—			0.5			0.9
	Capitalized transaction costs	2			—			—
	Domestic production activities deduction	(2.6	)		(2.7	)		(2.4	)
	Foreign income taxed at lower rates	(3.5	)		—			—
	Other	2.1			(1.5	)		2
	Effective income tax rate	35.1	%		32.4	%		19.9	%
	The Company’s effective tax rate for 2014 was 35.1% compared to 32.4% in 2013 and 19.9% in 2012. In 2014, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the statutory federal income tax rate was due to a favorable mix of taxable income generated from countries with lower tax rates compared to that of the United States resulting in a tax benefit of $1.2 million and a tax benefit of $0.9 million attributable to the Domestic Production Activities Deduction. These favorable adjustments were partially offset by tax expense of $0.8 million related to nondeductible transaction costs from the Industrial Filtration acquisition, and a net increase in tax valuation allowances of $0.2 million. The other line item above is net of research credits, nondeductible expenses, and other income and expense items.
	In 2014, the Company recorded tax valuation allowances of $1.1 million against certain net foreign deferred tax assets in the Netherlands and China as future realization of the assets were not reasonably assured, which were partially offset by the reversal of tax valuation allowances against state tax credits of $0.5 million and certain foreign jurisdictions of $0.4 million.
	For 2013, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the statutory federal income tax rate was primarily caused by the release of valuation allowances against state tax credit carryovers of $1.1 million, $0.8 million of benefit relating to Domestic Production Activities Deduction, and a tax benefit of $0.5 million related to the conclusion of certain U.S. federal income tax matters through the year ended December 31, 2009. These favorable tax adjustments were partially offset by an increase in valuation allowance established against a foreign net deferred tax asset. The $1.1 million reversal of valuation allowances against state tax credit carryovers included $0.3 million of state tax credits which offset 2013 state income taxes and $0.8 million expected to benefit future periods. In 2013, the Company maintained a full valuation allowance against a foreign deferred tax asset in the Netherlands as future realization of the asset was not reasonably assured due to consistent historical losses since 2008. During 2013, the Company increased this valuation allowance by $0.6 million in order to reserve against additional loss carryforwards that were generated in the Netherlands during the current year.
	For 2012, the difference between the Company’s effective tax rate and the statutory federal income tax rate was primarily caused by the release of valuation allowances against foreign tax credit carryovers of $3.9 million and state net operating loss carryovers, partially offset by an increase in valuation allowance established against a foreign net deferred tax asset. The Company’s state income taxes in 2012 were offset by the reversal of valuation allowances against state net operating loss carryovers of $0.5 million as the Company used certain state net operating loss carryovers to offset 2012 state income taxes. During 2012, the Company increased its valuation allowance against a foreign deferred tax asset in the Netherlands by $0.7 million as future realization of such tax benefit was not reasonably assured.
	The Company maintains valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets where realization is not reasonably assured. The Company evaluates the likelihood of the realization of deferred tax assets and reduces the carrying amount to the extent it believes a portion will not be realized. The Company’s effective tax rates in future periods could be affected by earnings being lower or higher than anticipated in countries where tax rates differ from the United States federal rate, the relative impact of permanent tax adjustments on higher or lower earnings from domestic operations, changes in net deferred tax asset valuation allowances, completion of acquisitions or divestitures, changes in tax rates or tax laws and the outcome of tax audits.
	The following schedule presents net current and net long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities by tax jurisdiction as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014								2013
		Deferred Tax Assets								Deferred Tax Assets
	In thousands	Current				Long-term				Current			Long-term
	Federal	$	3,399			$	—			$	3,219		$	—
	State	711				1,408				321			479
	Foreign	1,504				—				398			95
	Totals	$	5,614			$	1,408			$	3,938		$	574
		2014								2013
		Deferred Tax Liabilities								Deferred Tax Liabilities
	In thousands	Current				Long-term				Current			Long-term
	Federal	$	—			$	10,562			$	—		$	7,780
	State	—				—				—			—
	Foreign	—				3,305				—			967
	Totals	$	—			$	13,867			$	—		$	8,747
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	211			$	127
	Inventories	884				939
	Net operating loss carryforwards	4,992				4,566
	Other accrued liabilities	3,341				2,020
	Pension	7,295				5,268
	Tax Credits	1,879				1,953
	Total deferred tax assets	18,602				14,873
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Domestic liability of foreign assets	$	—			$	96
	Intangible assets	6,525				6,066
	Property, plant and equipment	15,195				9,631
	Total deferred tax liabilities	21,720				15,793
	Valuation allowance	3,727				3,315
Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(6,845	)		$	(4,235	)
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, income from continuing operations before income taxes was derived from the following sources:
	For the years ended December 31,
In thousands	2014				2013				2012
United States	$	27,463			$	23,433			$	14,573
Foreign	6,193				4,909				6,409
Total income before income taxes	$	33,656			$	28,342			$	20,982
At December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $10.1 million of state net operating loss carryforwards which expire between 2016 and 2034. In addition, at December 31, 2014, the Company had $2.9 million of state tax credit carry forwards that expire between 2015 and 2026. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had provided a valuation reserve against $9.6 million of its state net operating loss carryforwards and $1.1 million on its state tax credits carryforwards. The Company also has $5.0 million of foreign net operating loss carryovers in China, $2.1 million of foreign net operating loss carryovers in France, $0.8 million of net operating loss carryovers in the United Kingdom and $9.4 million of net operating loss carryovers in the Netherlands. The French net operating loss carryforwards have no expiration. The Company concluded it was more likely than not that the French net operating loss carryforwards will be fully realized and no valuation allowance was necessary as of December 31, 2014. The Netherlands’ net operating losses expire between the years 2017 and 2023 and the China net operating losses expire between the years 2015 and 2019. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the net operating losses in the Netherlands and China as future realization is not reasonably assured. The Company evaluates and weighs the positive and negative evidence present at each period. The Company will continue to monitor the realization criteria based on future operating results.
As of December 31, 2014 the Company has not paid U.S. income taxes on approximately $25.1 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The Company’s intention is to reinvest these earnings permanently or to repatriate the earnings only when it is tax effective to do so. The Company estimates that the amount of tax that would be payable on the undistributed earnings if repatriated to the United States would fall in the range of $1.0 million to $8.5 million, based on current facts, but depending on the timing and extent of the repatriation. This amount may vary in the future due to a variety of factors including future tax law changes, future earnings and statutory taxes paid by foreign subsidiaries, and ongoing tax planning strategies by the Company.
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return, as well as returns required by various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities, including such major jurisdictions as the United States, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Within the next fiscal year, the Company expects to conclude certain federal income tax matters through the year ended December 31, 2011 and it is reasonably expected that net unrecognized benefits of $0.4 million may be recognized. The total amount of net unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized was $1.3 million as of December 31, 2014. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations for years before 2010, state and local examinations for years before 2002, and non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2003.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
In thousands	2014				2013
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	1,864			$	1,029
Increases relating to positions taken in prior periods	20				678
Increases relating to current period	388				586
Decreases due to settlements with tax authorities	—				—
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations	—				(429		)
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	2,272			$	1,864
The Company recognizes the interest accrued and the penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Leases
	The Company has operating leases that resulted in expense of $6.4 million in 2014, $4.0 million in 2013, and $4.0 million in 2012. These contracts include building, office equipment, vehicle and machinery leases that require payment of property taxes, insurance, repairs and other operating costs.
	The Company has a capital lease agreement for the land and building at the St. Nazaire, France operating facility requiring monthly principal and interest payments until 2016. (See Note 6)
	Approximate future minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases are:
		Payments due by period
	In thousands	Operating Lease Payments		Capital Lease Payments			Total
	2015	$	4,848	$	647		$	5,495
	2016	3,810		317			4,127
	2017	3,708		—			3,708
	2018	2,529		—			2,529
	2019	1,362		—			1,362
	Thereafter	1,080		—			1,080
	Total	17,337		964			18,301
	Interest on capital leases	—		(35		)	(35		)
	Total	$	17,337	$	929		$	18,266
	Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, investigations and inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of business such as, but not limited to, actions with respect to commercial, intellectual property, employment, personal injury and environmental matters. While the outcome of any matter is inherently uncertain and the Company cannot be sure that it will prevail in any of the cases, subject to the matter referenced below, the Company is not aware of any matters pending that are expected to be material with respect to the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Lydall Gerhardi GmbH & Co. KG ("Lydall Gerhardi"), which is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and part of the Thermal/Acoustical Metals segment, is cooperating with the German Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt) in connection with an investigation, initiated in the second quarter of 2014, relating to possible violations of German anti-trust laws by and among certain European automotive heat shield manufacturers, including Lydall Gerhardi.
	The Company is conducting an internal investigation utilizing outside counsel. In the course of this internal investigation, the Company has discovered instances of inappropriate conduct by certain German employees of Lydall Gerhardi. The Company has disclosed its findings in an application for leniency submitted to the German Federal Cartel Office on July 22, 2014. The Company is continuing its internal investigation and has taken, and will continue to take, remedial actions.
	The German Federal Cartel Office has wide discretion in fixing the amount of a fine, up to a maximum fine of ten percent (10%) of the Company’s annual revenue of the year preceding the year in which the fine is imposed. The Company believes a loss is probable. However, in light of the uncertainties and variables involved, the Company is unable to estimate either the timing or the amount of the loss associated with this matter. There can be no assurance that this matter will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	The following table provides a reconciliation of weighted-average shares used to determine basic and diluted earnings per share.
		For the years ended
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014	2013	2012
	Basic average common shares outstanding	16,662	16,570	16,717
	Effect of dilutive options and restricted stock awards	341	296	256
	Diluted average common shares outstanding	17,003	16,866	16,973
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, stock options for less than 0.1 million, 0.2 million, and 0.2 million shares of Common Stock, respectively, were not considered in computing diluted earnings per common share as the stock options were considered anti-dilutive.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
	The following table summarizes quarterly financial results for 2014 and 2013. In management’s opinion, all material adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the information for such quarters have been reflected.
		1st Quarter				2nd Quarter				3rd Quarter				4th Quarter
	In thousands except per share data	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net sales	$	125,226	$	99,029	$	148,793	$	101,051	$	134,227	$	97,995	$	127,583	$	99,894
	Gross profit	$	26,199	$	21,365	$	34,653	$	23,037	$	28,564	$	20,494	$	25,562	$	20,329
	Net income	$	3,716	$	4,492	$	8,240	$	5,955	$	4,158	$	4,575	$	5,733	$	4,133
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	0.22	$	0.27	$	0.5	$	0.36	$	0.25	$	0.28	$	0.34	$	0.25
	Diluted	$	0.22	$	0.26	$	0.49	$	0.35	$	0.24	$	0.27	$	0.34	$	0.25
	The table above includes the quarterly results of Industrial Filtration since the acquisition date of February 20, 2014. Gross profit during the quarters ended March 31, 2014, June 30, 2014, and September 30, 2014 were negatively impacted by purchase accounting adjustments of $1.3 million, $0.5 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, related to the acquisition of Industrial Filtration. These purchase accounting adjustments reduced net income by $0.9 million, $0.4 million and $0.2 million during the quarters ended March 31, 2014, June 30, 2014 and September 30, 2014, respectively. (See Note 2)
	Net income during the quarter ended March 31, 2014 was negatively impacted by $2.2 million of transaction related costs due to the acquisition of Industrial Filtration. Net income during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 was negatively impacted by a $2.0 million commission settlement within the T/A Metals segment. Net income during the quarter ended September 30, 2014, was negatively impacted by $3.0 million, related to a non-cash pension plan settlement charge associated with the Company's domestic defined benefit pension plan. (See Note 8)
	Gross profit in the first quarter of 2013 included a completed pricing negotiation and a non-recurring customer project which contributed to an increase in gross profit of $1.8 million.
	Net income during the quarters ended March 31, 2013 and June 30, 2013 were positively impacted by discrete tax benefits of $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, related to the conclusion of certain U.S. federal income tax matters. Net income during the quarter ended December 31, 2013 was negatively impacted by $0.7 million of Industrial Filtration transaction related costs offset by the positive impact of the reversal of valuation allowances associated with state tax credit carryovers of $0.9 million. (See Note 11)

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-08 “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." ASU 2014-08 raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. It is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals. The Company has evaluated the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-08 will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures related to the January 2015 sale of its Vital Fluids business and determined that the sale of this business would not qualify as a discontinued operation.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606). This ASU provides guidance for revenue recognition and affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” and most industry-specific guidance. The standard’s core principle is the recognition of revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the method and impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Compensation - Stock Compensation” (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. This ASU affects entities that grant their employees share-based payments in which terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. The amendments in this ASU require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the method and impact the adoption of ASU 2014-12 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (Subtopic 205-40). This ASU establishes specific guidance to an organization's management on their responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the organization's ability to continue as a going concern. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. This ASU is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table discloses the changes by classification within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the period ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	In thousands	Foreign Currency			Defined Benefit				Total
		Translation			Pension				Accumulated Other
		Adjustment			Adjustment				Comprehensive
									(Loss) Income
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,937		$	(18,555	)		$	(16,618	)
	Other Comprehensive income (loss)	1,241			(3,558		)	(a)	(2,317		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			569			(b)	569
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	3,178		$	(21,544	)		$	(18,366	)
	Other Comprehensive income (loss)	2,950			5,909			(a)	8,859
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			663			(b)	663
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,128		$	(14,972	)		$	(8,844	)
	Other Comprehensive loss	(12,714		)	(6,099		)	(a)	(18,813		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			3,496			(b)	3,496
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(6,586	)	$	(17,575	)		$	(24,161	)
	(a) Amount represents actuarial (losses) gains arising from the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation. This amount was $(6.1) million, net of $3.7 million tax benefit, for 2014, $5.9 million, net of a $3.6 million tax expense, for 2013 and $(3.6) million, net of $2.1 million tax benefit in 2012. (See Note 8)
	(b) Amount represents the amortization of actuarial losses to pension expense arising from the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation. This amount was $3.5 million, net of $2.1 million tax benefit, which included $3.0 million, net of $1.9 million tax benefit for pension settlement costs in 2014, $0.7 million, net of $0.4 million tax benefit, for 2013 and $0.6 million, net of $0.3 million tax benefit in 2012. (See Note 8)

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On January 30, 2015, the Company sold all of the outstanding shares of common stock of its Vital Fluids business, reported as Other Products and Services, for a cash purchase price of $29.9 million, subject to a customary post-closing adjustment (the “Disposition”). The Disposition was completed pursuant to a Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated January 30, 2015, by and among the Company, and the Buyer. The Company expects to recognize an after tax gain on the sale of this business of approximately $10 to $12 million in the first quarter of 2015.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II LYDALL, INC. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	Schedule II
	LYDALL, INC.
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	FOR THE YEARS ENDED December 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012
	In thousands		Balance at January 1,		Charges to Costs and Expenses		Charges (Deductions) to Other Accounts				Deductions				Balance at December 31,
	2014
	Allowance for doubtful receivables		$	480	$	384	$	(39	)	2	$	(116	)	1	$	709
	Tax valuation allowances		3,315		1,120		193			2,5	(901		)	3	3,727
	2013
	Allowance for doubtful receivables		$	469	$	60	$	15		2	$	(64	)	1	$	480
	Tax valuation allowances		3,587		855		—				(1,127		)	3	3,315
	2012
	Allowance for doubtful receivables		$	622	$	162	$	7		2	$	(322	)	1	$	469
	Allowance for note receivable		480		—		—				(480		)	4	—		4
	Tax valuation allowances		7,132		854		—				(4,399		)	3	3,587
	1	Uncollected receivables written off and recoveries.
	2	Foreign currency translation and other adjustments.
	3	Reduction to income tax expense.
	4	A reserve for $0.5 million was recorded during 2004 for the remaining balance of the note receivable associated with the sale of certain assets of the fiberboard operation in 2001, which was included within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011. The receivable was written off against the reserve in 2012.
	5	Adjustments relating to the acquisition of Industrial Filtration.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business	Business — Lydall, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Lydall”) design and manufacture specialty engineered filtration media, industrial thermal insulating solutions, automotive thermal and acoustical barriers, medical filtration media and devices and biopharmaceutical processing components for thermal/acoustical, filtration/separation and bio/medical applications.
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation — The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Lydall, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Estimates and assumptions	Estimates and assumptions — The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the financial statement dates and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Risks and uncertainties	Risks and uncertainties — Worldwide economic cycles affect the markets that the Company’s businesses serve and affect demand for Lydall’s products and impact profitability. Among other factors, disruptions in the global credit and financial markets, including diminished liquidity and credit availability, swings in consumer confidence and spending, unstable economic growth and fluctuations in unemployment rates has caused economic instability that has, and could continue to have, a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.
Concentration of credit risk	Concentrations of credit risk — Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents in high-quality financial institutions. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are limited by the large number of customers comprising the Company’s customer base and their dispersion across many different industries and geographies. At December 31, 2014, no customers accounted for more than 10.0% of total accounts receivable. At December 31, 2013, Ford represented 15.3% of total accounts receivable. No other customers accounted for more than 10.0% of total accounts receivable at December 31, 2013.
	Foreign and export sales were 46.2% of the Company’s net sales in 2014, 45.2% in 2013, and 46.7% in 2012. Export sales primarily to Europe, Asia, Mexico and Canada were $57.6 million, $52.1 million, and $49.7 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. Sales to the automotive market, included in the Thermal/Acoustical Metals and Thermal/Acoustical Fibers segments, were 54.1% of the Company’s net sales in 2014, 68.5% in 2013, and 65.5% in 2012. Sales to Ford Motor Company (“Ford”) were 16.5%, 20.0%, and 18.8% of Lydall’s 2014, 2013, and 2012 net sales, respectively. Sales to Chrysler Group LLC (“Chrysler”) accounted for 10.9% and 10.0% of Lydall’s 2013 and 2012 net sales, respectively. No other customers accounted for more than 10% of total net sales in 2014, 2013, and 2012.
Inventories	Inventories — Inventories are valued at lower of cost or market, cost being determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method. Inventories in excess of requirements for current or anticipated orders have been written down to net realizable value.
Pre-production design and development costs	Pre-production design and development costs — The Company enters into contractual agreements with certain customers to design and develop molds, dies and tools (collectively, “tooling”). All such tooling contracts relate to parts that the Company will supply to customers under long-term supply agreements. Tooling costs are accumulated in work-in process inventory and are charged to operations as the related revenue from the tooling is recognized. Revenue is recognized as tooling is delivered and accepted by the customer. The Company also may progress bill on certain tooling being constructed. These billings are recorded as progress billings (a reduction of the associated work-in-process inventory) until the appropriate revenue recognition criteria have been met.
	Periodically, the Company enters into contractually guaranteed reimbursement arrangements as a mechanism to collect amounts due from customers from tooling sales. Under these arrangements, amounts due from tooling sales are collected as parts are delivered over the part supply arrangement, in accordance with the specific terms of the arrangement. The amounts due from the customer in such transactions are recorded in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net” or “Other assets, net” based upon the expected term of the reimbursement arrangement.
	The following tooling related assets were included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December, 31
	In thousands	2014		2013
	Inventories, net of progress billings and reserves	$	8,832	$	8,793
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	30		52
	Total tooling related assets	$	8,862	$	8,845
	Amounts included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net” include the short-term portion of receivables due under contractually guaranteed reimbursement arrangements. Included in the inventory balance was an offset for progress billings of $1.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Company owned tooling is recorded in “Property, plant and equipment, net” at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Property, plant and equipment	Property, plant and equipment — Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Assets held under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Property, plant and equipment, including property, plant and equipment under capital leases, are depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease or the life of the asset, whichever is shorter. The cost and accumulated depreciation amounts applicable to assets sold or otherwise disposed of are removed from the asset and accumulated depreciation accounts and any net gain or loss is included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Expenses for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets — Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired companies. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests. All other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which range from 4 to 20 years. In performing impairment tests, the Company considers discounted cash flows and other market factors as best evidence of fair value. There are inherent uncertainties and management judgment required in these analyses.
Valuation of long-lived assets	Valuation of long-lived assets — The Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets, or asset groups, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Should such evaluations indicate that the related future undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying values of the assets, such carrying values would be reduced to fair value and this adjusted carrying value would become the assets’ new cost basis. Fair value is determined primarily using future anticipated cash flows that are directly associated with, and that are expected to arise as a direct result of the use and eventual disposition of the asset, or asset group, as well as market conditions and other factors. There are inherent uncertainties and management judgment required in these analyses.
Employer sponsored benefit plans	Employer sponsored benefit plans — The Company recognizes the funded status of its domestic defined benefit pension plan. Net benefit obligations are calculated based on actuarial valuations using key assumptions related to discount rates and expected return on plan assets.
Derivative instruments	Derivative instruments — Derivative instruments are measured at fair value and recognized as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in either current or non-current other assets or other accrued liabilities or other long-term liabilities depending upon maturity and commitment. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedge transaction affects earnings. In general, the types of risks being hedged by the Company are related to the variability of future cash flows caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates and hedging the impact of variability of foreign exchange rates on recorded intercompany assets or liabilities. Lydall’s objective for entering into derivative instruments has always been for risk management purposes. The Company does not engage in derivative instruments for speculative purposes. Lydall has historically not been a party to a significant number of derivative instruments.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition — The Company recognizes revenue (1) once evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) product delivery has occurred; (3) pricing is fixed or determinable; and (4) collection is reasonably assured. The four criteria required to recognize revenue are considered to be met, and the passage of title to the customer occurs, at the respective FOB point and, therefore, revenue is recognized at that time. The Company’s standard sales and shipping terms are FOB shipping point, therefore, substantially all revenue is recognized upon shipment. However, the Company conducts business with certain customers on FOB destination terms and in these instances revenue is recognized upon receipt by the customer. The Company generally does not provide specific customer inspection or acceptance provisions in its sales terms, with the exception of tooling sales discussed in “Pre-production design and development costs” above.
	Sales returns and allowances are recorded as identified or communicated by the customer and internally approved. The Company does not provide customers with general rights of return for products sold; however, in limited circumstances, the Company will allow sales returns and allowances from customers if the products sold do not conform to specifications.
	Shipping and handling costs consist primarily of costs incurred to deliver products to customers and internal costs related to preparing products for shipment and are recorded in cost of sales. Amounts billed to customers as shipping and handling are classified as revenue.
Research and development	Research and development — Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and amounted to $9.0 million in 2014, $7.6 million in 2013, and $7.7 million in 2012. Research and development costs were primarily comprised of development personnel salaries, prototype material costs and testing and trials of new products.
Earnings per share	Earnings per share — Basic earnings per common share are equal to net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share are equal to net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including the effect of stock options and stock awards, if such effect is dilutive.
Income taxes	Income taxes — The provision for income taxes is based upon income reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of income and expense recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for tax purposes. In the event the Company was to determine that it would not be able to realize all or a portion of its deferred tax assets in the future, the Company would record a valuation allowance through a charge to income in the period that such determination was made. Conversely, if the Company was to determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net carrying amounts, the Company would decrease the recorded valuation allowance and record an increase to income in the period that such determination was made.
Translation of foreign currencies	Translation of foreign currencies — Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. Any resulting translation gains or losses are reported in other comprehensive income (loss).
Stock options and share grants	Stock options and share grants — The Company accounts for awards of equity instruments under the fair value method of accounting and recognizes such amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company recognizes expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the entire award. Stock-based compensation expense includes the estimated effects of forfeitures, and such estimates of forfeitures are adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. The effect of changes in estimated forfeitures is recognized in the period of change and also impacts the amount of expense to be recognized in future periods. The Company estimates the fair value of option grants based on the Black Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatility and expected term are based on historical information. The Company believes that its future volatility and expected term are not likely to materially differ from the Company’s historical stock price volatility and historical exercise data, respectively. Compensation expense for all restricted stock awards is recorded based on the market value of the stock on the grant date and recognized as expense over the vesting period of the award. Compensation expense for performance-based restricted stock is also impacted by the probability of achieving the performance targets.
Recently adopted accounting standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (Topic 740). This ASU required entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, in their financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The objective of this update is to eliminate the diversity in practice in the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Condensed Balance Sheet	The following tooling related assets were included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December, 31
	In thousands	2014		2013
	Inventories, net of progress billings and reserves	$	8,832	$	8,793
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	30		52
	Total tooling related assets	$	8,862	$	8,845

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of Results of Discontinued Operations	The following table summarizes the fair values of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition:
	In thousands
	Cash	$	7,493
	Accounts Receivable	26,779
	Inventory	25,046
	Other current assets	2,894
	Property, plant and equipment	38,780
	Deferred Taxes	2,501
	Intangible assets (Note 5)	5,596
	Goodwill (Note 5)	3,943
	Total assets acquired	113,032
	Other liabilities	(18,002		)
	Deferred taxes	(8,130		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(26,132		)
	Net assets acquired	$	86,900
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following table reflects the unaudited pro forma operating results of the Company for years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, which give effect to the acquisition of Industrial Filtration as if it had occurred on January 1, 2013. The pro forma information includes the historical financial results of the Company and Industrial Filtration. The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred had the acquisition been effective January 1, 2013, nor are they intended to be indicative of results that may occur in the future.The pro forma information does not include the effects of any synergies related to the acquisition.
		(Unaudited Pro Forma)
		For The Years Ended
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013
	Net Sales	$	553,345		$	525,134
	Net Income	$	26,302		$	21,500
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	1.58		$	1.3
	Diluted	$	1.55		$	1.27

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	21,248		$	11,944
	Work in process	15,753			14,546
	Finished goods	15,348			9,537
		52,349			36,027
	Less: Progress billings	(1,108		)	(1,110		)
	Total inventories	$	51,241		$	34,917

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Estimated	December 31,
	In thousands	Useful Lives	2014			2013
	Land	–	$	2,773		$	2,215
	Buildings and improvements	10-35 years	56,562			48,779
	Machinery and equipment	5-25 years	197,804			166,747
	Office equipment	2-8 years	31,139			33,649
	Vehicles	3-6 years	930			561
	Assets under capital leases:
	Land	–	609			692
	Buildings and improvements	10-35 years	5,345			6,072
			295,162			258,715
	Accumulated depreciation		(186,510		)	(183,535		)
	Accumulated amortization of capital leases		(2,944		)	(3,078		)
			105,708			72,102
	Construction in progress		9,649			6,761
	Total property, plant and equipment		$	115,357		$	78,863

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Gross and net Carrying Amounts of Goodwill	Gross and net carrying amounts of goodwill at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	In thousands	Performance Materials			Industrial Filtration				Thermal/ Acoustical Metals			Other Products and Services				Totals
	Goodwill	$	13,929		$	—			$	12,160		$	5,787			$	31,876
	Accumulated amortization/impairment	—			—				(12,160		)	(1,127		)		(13,287		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	13,929			—				—			4,660				18,589
	Goodwill	13,340			3,943				12,160			5,787				35,230
	Accumulated amortization/impairment	—			—				(12,160		)	(1,127		)		(13,287		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	13,340		$	3,943			$	—		$	4,660			$	21,943
Changes in the Carrying Amounts of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill in 2013 and 2014 were as follows:
	In thousands	Performance Materials			Industrial Filtration				Other Products and Services			Totals
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	13,622		$	—			$	4,660		$	18,282
	Goodwill adjustment	110			—				—			110
	Currency translation adjustment	197			—				—			197
	Balance at December 31, 2013	13,929			—				4,660			18,589
	Goodwill adjustment	—			3,943				—			3,943
	Currency translation adjustment	(589		)	—				—			(589		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	13,340		$	3,943			$	4,660		$	21,943
Amortization of the Companys Acquired Intangible Assets other than Goodwill	The table below presents the gross carrying amount and, as applicable, the accumulated amortization of the Company’s acquired intangible assets other than goodwill included in “Other intangible assets, net” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			December 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	In thousands		Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization				Gross Carrying Amount			Accumulated Amortization
	Amortized intangible assets
	License agreements		$	818		$	(818	)		$	881		$	(881	)
	Technology		2,500			(143		)		—			—
	Customer Relationships		2,477			(195		)		—			—
	Patents		6,037			(3,274		)		6,766			(3,307		)
	Other		691			(252		)		278			(227		)
	Total amortized intangible assets		$	12,523		$	(4,682	)		$	7,925		$	(4,415	)

Longterm_Debt_and_Financing_Ar1

Long-term Debt and Financing Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Total outstanding debt consists of:
				December 31,
	In thousands	Effective Rate	Maturity	2014			2013
	Revolver Loan, due January 31, 2019	1.42%	2019	$	40,000		$	—
	Capital Lease, land and building, St. Nazaire, France	5.44%	2016	893			1,647
	Capital Lease, manufacturing equipment, Hamptonville, North Carolina	5.00%	2017	37			67
				40,930			1,714
	Less portion due within one year			(615		)	(663		)
	Total long-term debt			$	40,315		$	1,051

Employer_Sponsored_Benefit_Pla1

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Funded Status	The Company’s funding policy for its domestic defined benefit pension plan is to fund not less than the ERISA minimum funding standard and not more than the maximum amount that can be deducted for federal income tax purposes.
	Plan assets and benefit obligations of the domestic defined benefit pension plan are as follows:
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014				2013
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Net benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	53,427			$	60,020
	Interest cost	2,348				2,453
	Actuarial loss (gain)	7,654				(6,900		)
	Gross benefits paid	(12,602		)		(2,146		)
	Net benefit obligation at end of year	$	50,827			$	53,427
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	40,680			$	36,355
	Actual return on plan assets	945				5,226
	Contributions	4,252				1,245
	Gross benefits paid	(12,602		)		(2,146		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	33,275			$	40,680
	Net benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	$	(17,552	)		$	(12,747	)
	Balance sheet amounts:
	Noncurrent liabilities	$	(17,552	)		$	(12,747	)
	Total liabilities	$	(17,552	)		$	(12,747	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax consist of:
	Net actuarial loss	$	17,228			$	14,830
	Net amount recognized	$	17,228			$	14,830
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	Aggregated information for the domestic defined benefit pension plan with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is provided in the tables below:
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014				2013
	Projected benefit obligation	$	50,827			$	53,427
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	50,827			$	53,427
	Fair value of plan assets	$	33,275			$	40,680
Summary of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Domestic Pension Plan	Components of net periodic benefit cost for the domestic pension plan:
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014				2013				2012
	Interest cost	$	2,348			$	2,453			$	2,583
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,798		)		(2,691		)		(2,559		)
	Amortization of actuarial net loss	725				1,069				918
	Pension settlement cost	4,914				—				—
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	5,189			$	831			$	942
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized	The major assumptions used in determining the year-end benefit obligation and annual net cost for the domestic pension plan are presented in the following table:
		Benefit Obligation						Net Cost
	For the years ended December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013		2012
	Discount rate	4.16	%		5.09	%		5.09	%		4.16	%	5	%
	Expected return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.25	%		7.25	%		7.5	%	7.75	%
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The following table presents the target allocation of pension plan assets for 2015 and the actual allocation of plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 by major asset category:
		Target Allocation		Actual Allocation of Plan Assets
				December 31,
	Asset Category	2015		2014			2013
	Equity securities:
	U.S. Equity	22% - 60%		43	%		37	%
	Non-U.S.	15% - 25%		19	%		23	%
	Emerging Markets	3% - 9%		6	%		7	%
	Fixed income securities:
	U.S. Bond funds	12% - 38%		26	%		26	%
	Non-U.S. Bond funds	2% - 8%		3	%		5	%
	Real estate investment trusts	0% - 8%		—	%		—	%
	Cash and cash equivalents	0% - 5%		3	%		2	%
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Trust’s assets at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	31-Dec-14
	In thousands	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
	Equity securities:
	U.S. Equity	$	14,272			$	—			$	—		$	14,272
	Non-U.S.	6,432				—				—			6,432
	Emerging Markets	1,896				—				—			1,896
	Fixed income securities:
	U.S. Bond funds	8,528				—				—			8,528
	Non-U.S. Bond funds	917				—				—			917
	Real estate investment trusts	170				—				—			170
	Cash and cash equivalents	1,060				—				—			1,060
	Total Assets at Fair Value	$	33,275			$	—			$	—		$	33,275
	31-Dec-13
	In thousands	Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
	Equity securities:
	U.S. Equity	$	15,141			$	—			$	—		$	15,141
	Non-U.S.	9,465				—				—			9,465
	Emerging Markets	2,713				—				—			2,713
	Fixed income securities:
	U.S. Bond funds	10,461				—				—			10,461
	Non-U.S. Bond funds	1,847				—				—			1,847
	Real estate investment trusts	155				—				—			155
	Cash and cash equivalents	898				—				—			898
	Total Assets at Fair Value	$	40,680			$	—			$	—		$	40,680
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	The Company expects to contribute approximately $0.9 million in cash to its domestic defined benefit pension plan in 2015. Estimated future benefit payments for the next 10 years are as follows:
	In thousands	2015				2016				2017			2018		2019		2020-2024
	Benefit payments	$	2,337			$	2,365			$	2,430		$	2,510	$	2,647	$	14,490

Equity_Compensation_Plans_Tabl

Equity Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the years ended December 31:
		2014			2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.6	%		1.7	%	1.4	%
	Expected life	5.1 years			5.2 years		5.7 years
	Expected volatility	46	%		65	%	68	%
	Expected dividend yield	—	%		—	%	—	%
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity	The following is a summary of the option activity as of December 31, 2014 and changes during the year then ended:
	In thousands except per share amounts and years
		Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price			Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	758		$	10.32
	Granted	132		$	27.96
	Exercised	-277		$	8.87
	Forfeited/Cancelled	-4		$	9.24
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	609		$	14.81		7		$	10,967
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014	321		$	9.99		5.2		$	7,323
	Expected to vest at December 31, 2014	261		$	19.78		8.9		$	3,408
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity	The following is a summary of the Company’s unvested restricted shares for the year ended and as of December 31, 2014:
	In thousands except per share amounts
	Outstanding Restricted Shares	Shares		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	308		$	12.99
	Granted	253		$	22.93
	Vested	-96		$	9.41
	Forfeited/Cancelled	-6		$	16.48
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	459		$	19.17
	Expected to vest at December 31, 2014	431		$	19.5

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Net sales by segment and for OPS, as well as reconciling items, to equal to consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
	Consolidated Net Sales	For the Years Ended December 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Performance Materials Segment:
	Filtration	$	71,648		$	64,752		$	68,379
	Thermal Insulation	31,404			36,929			38,449
	Life Sciences Filtration	12,814			10,320			11,207
	Performance Materials Segment net sales	115,866			112,001			118,035
	Industrial Filtration Segment:
	Industrial Filtration	112,220			—			—
	Industrial Filtration net sales	112,220			—			—
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment:
	Metal parts	145,135			135,833			136,276
	Tooling	19,130			22,573			17,645
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment net sales	164,265			158,406			153,921
	Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment:
	Fiber parts	124,458			105,876			93,519
	Tooling	4,133			8,444			917
	Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment net sales	128,591			114,320			94,436
	Other Products and Services:
	Life Sciences Vital Fluids	19,682			17,175			16,853
	Other Products and Services net sales	19,682			17,175			16,853
	Eliminations and Other	(4,795		)	(3,933		)	(4,321		)
	Consolidated Net Sales	$	535,829		$	397,969		$	378,924
	Operating income by segment and for OPS and Corporate Office Expenses for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
	Operating Income	For the Years Ended December 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Performance Materials Segment	$	9,706		$	9,462		$	10,400
	Industrial Filtration Segment	6,412			—			—
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment	13,823			14,088			14,708
	Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment	29,167			21,486			12,851
	Other Products and Services:
	Life Sciences Vital Fluids	1,582			778			1,190
	Corporate Office Expenses	(26,642		)	(17,101		)	(17,771		)
	Consolidated Operating Income	$	34,048		$	28,713		$	21,378
Total Assets By Segment	Total assets by segment and for OPS and the Corporate Office were as follows at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	Total Assets	December 31,
	In thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Performance Materials Segment	$	71,325		$	74,838		$	74,119
	Industrial Filtration Segment	100,201			—			—
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment	106,210			104,908			96,019
	Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment	33,109			30,176			26,830
	Other Products and Services	11,580			11,866			11,195
	Corporate Office	39,345			52,897			43,753
	Total Assets	$	361,770		$	274,685		$	251,916
	Total capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization by segment and for OPS and the Corporate Office for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Capital Expenditures									Depreciation and Amortization
	In thousands	2014			2013			2012			2014		2013		2012
	Performance Materials Segment	$	4,124		$	4,604		$	5,231		$	4,654	$	4,667	$	5,290
	Industrial Filtration Segment	1,804			—			—			4,536		—		—
	Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment	8,544			6,027			4,063			4,578		4,777		5,019
	Thermal/Acoustical Fibers Segment	3,296			1,887			1,033			2,166		2,217		2,324
	Other Products and Services	574			243			128			804		588		596
	Corporate Office	659			1,065			949			908		454		453
	Total	$	19,001		$	13,826		$	11,404		$	17,646	$	12,703	$	13,682
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country	Net sales by geographic area for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and long-lived asset information by geographic area as of December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were as follows:
		Net Sales									Long-Lived Assets
	In thousands	2014			2013			2012			2014		2013		2012
	United States	$	345,864		$	269,989		$	251,695		$	72,832	$	48,787	$	45,979
	France	52,534			47,831			52,517			13,861		16,436		17,463
	Germany	77,896			77,229			71,896			12,366		13,287		13,542
	United Kingdom	26,387			—			—			7,601		—		—
	China	29,401			—			—			11,225		—		—
	Other	3,747			2,920			2,816			795		1,815		1,024
	Total	$	535,829		$	397,969		$	378,924		$	118,680	$	80,325	$	78,008

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Provision for Income Taxes	The provision for income taxes from continuing operations consists of the following:
		For the years ended December 31,
	In thousands	2014				2013				2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	8,069			$	5,477			$	3,208
	State	1,334				709				265
	Foreign	3,883				2,032				2,352
	Total Current	13,286				8,218				5,825
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(42	)		$	1,609			$	(2,031	)
	State	(1,626		)		(1,144		)		(291		)
	Foreign	191				504				673
	Total Deferred	(1,477		)		969				(1,649		)
	Provision for income taxes	$	11,809			$	9,187			$	4,176
Reconciliation of the Difference between the Actual Provisions for Income Taxes	The following is a reconciliation of the difference between the actual provision for income taxes from continuing operations and the provision computed by applying the federal statutory tax rate on earnings:
		For the years ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Statutory federal income tax rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes	0.8			2.9			2.2
	Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, including state	1.3			(1.8	)		(17.8	)
	Foreign dividends	—			0.5			0.9
	Capitalized transaction costs	2			—			—
	Domestic production activities deduction	(2.6	)		(2.7	)		(2.4	)
	Foreign income taxed at lower rates	(3.5	)		—			—
	Other	2.1			(1.5	)		2
	Effective income tax rate	35.1	%		32.4	%		19.9	%
Schedule Presents Net Current and Net Long-Term Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities by Tax Jurisdiction	The following schedule presents net current and net long-term deferred tax assets and liabilities by tax jurisdiction as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014								2013
		Deferred Tax Assets								Deferred Tax Assets
	In thousands	Current				Long-term				Current			Long-term
	Federal	$	3,399			$	—			$	3,219		$	—
	State	711				1,408				321			479
	Foreign	1,504				—				398			95
	Totals	$	5,614			$	1,408			$	3,938		$	574
		2014								2013
		Deferred Tax Liabilities								Deferred Tax Liabilities
	In thousands	Current				Long-term				Current			Long-term
	Federal	$	—			$	10,562			$	—		$	7,780
	State	—				—				—			—
	Foreign	—				3,305				—			967
	Totals	$	—			$	13,867			$	—		$	8,747
Components of Deferred Tax Asset and Liability	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014				2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	211			$	127
	Inventories	884				939
	Net operating loss carryforwards	4,992				4,566
	Other accrued liabilities	3,341				2,020
	Pension	7,295				5,268
	Tax Credits	1,879				1,953
	Total deferred tax assets	18,602				14,873
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Domestic liability of foreign assets	$	—			$	96
	Intangible assets	6,525				6,066
	Property, plant and equipment	15,195				9,631
	Total deferred tax liabilities	21,720				15,793
	Valuation allowance	3,727				3,315
	Net deferred tax liabilities	$	(6,845	)		$	(4,235	)
Schedule of Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, income from continuing operations before income taxes was derived from the following sources:
		For the years ended December 31,
	In thousands	2014				2013				2012
	United States	$	27,463			$	23,433			$	14,573
	Foreign	6,193				4,909				6,409
	Total income before income taxes	$	33,656			$	28,342			$	20,982
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	In thousands	2014				2013
	Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$	1,864			$	1,029
	Increases relating to positions taken in prior periods	20				678
	Increases relating to current period	388				586
	Decreases due to settlements with tax authorities	—				—
	Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations	—				(429		)
	Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$	2,272			$	1,864

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Lease Payments	Approximate future minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases are:
		Payments due by period
	In thousands	Operating Lease Payments		Capital Lease Payments			Total
	2015	$	4,848	$	647		$	5,495
	2016	3,810		317			4,127
	2017	3,708		—			3,708
	2018	2,529		—			2,529
	2019	1,362		—			1,362
	Thereafter	1,080		—			1,080
	Total	17,337		964			18,301
	Interest on capital leases	—		(35		)	(35		)
	Total	$	17,337	$	929		$	18,266

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Used to Determine Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table provides a reconciliation of weighted-average shares used to determine basic and diluted earnings per share.
		For the years ended
		December 31,
	In thousands	2014	2013	2012
	Basic average common shares outstanding	16,662	16,570	16,717
	Effect of dilutive options and restricted stock awards	341	296	256
	Diluted average common shares outstanding	17,003	16,866	16,973

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summarizes Quarterly Financial Results	The following table summarizes quarterly financial results for 2014 and 2013. In management’s opinion, all material adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the information for such quarters have been reflected.
		1st Quarter				2nd Quarter				3rd Quarter				4th Quarter
	In thousands except per share data	2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net sales	$	125,226	$	99,029	$	148,793	$	101,051	$	134,227	$	97,995	$	127,583	$	99,894
	Gross profit	$	26,199	$	21,365	$	34,653	$	23,037	$	28,564	$	20,494	$	25,562	$	20,329
	Net income	$	3,716	$	4,492	$	8,240	$	5,955	$	4,158	$	4,575	$	5,733	$	4,133
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	0.22	$	0.27	$	0.5	$	0.36	$	0.25	$	0.28	$	0.34	$	0.25
	Diluted	$	0.22	$	0.26	$	0.49	$	0.35	$	0.24	$	0.27	$	0.34	$	0.25

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C1

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Changes By Classification Within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table discloses the changes by classification within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the period ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	In thousands	Foreign Currency			Defined Benefit				Total
		Translation			Pension				Accumulated Other
		Adjustment			Adjustment				Comprehensive
									(Loss) Income
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,937		$	(18,555	)		$	(16,618	)
	Other Comprehensive income (loss)	1,241			(3,558		)	(a)	(2,317		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			569			(b)	569
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	3,178		$	(21,544	)		$	(18,366	)
	Other Comprehensive income (loss)	2,950			5,909			(a)	8,859
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			663			(b)	663
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	6,128		$	(14,972	)		$	(8,844	)
	Other Comprehensive loss	(12,714		)	(6,099		)	(a)	(18,813		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			3,496			(b)	3,496
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(6,586	)	$	(17,575	)		$	(24,161	)
	(a) Amount represents actuarial (losses) gains arising from the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation. This amount was $(6.1) million, net of $3.7 million tax benefit, for 2014, $5.9 million, net of a $3.6 million tax expense, for 2013 and $(3.6) million, net of $2.1 million tax benefit in 2012. (See Note 8)
	(b) Amount represents the amortization of actuarial losses to pension expense arising from the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation. This amount was $3.5 million, net of $2.1 million tax benefit, which included $3.0 million, net of $1.9 million tax benefit for pension settlement costs in 2014, $0.7 million, net of $0.4 million tax benefit, for 2013 and $0.6 million, net of $0.3 million tax benefit in 2012. (See Note 8)

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total tooling related assets	$8,862	$8,845
Inventories, net of progress billings and reserves
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total tooling related assets	8,832	8,793
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Total tooling related assets	$30	$52

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage Of Accounts Receivable From Significant Customer		15.30%
Percentage Of Foreign And Export Sales	46.20%	45.20%	46.70%
Export Sales	$57.60	$52.10	$49.70
Percentage Of Sales To Automotive Market	54.10%	68.50%	65.50%
Proceeds from Customers for Progress Payments	1.1	1.1
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	11 years
Research and Development Expense	9	7.6	7.7
Maximum [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years
Minimum [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years
Ford Motor Company [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage Of Foreign And Export Sales	16.50%	20.00%	18.80%
Chrysler Group Llc [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage Of Foreign And Export Sales		10.90%	10.00%
Vital Fluids [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Business sold cash received				$29.90

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 20, 2014	Feb. 18, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash acquired	$7,493,000								$7,493,000
Acquisition related transaction costs	2,600,000								2,600,000
Net sales	127,583,000	134,227,000	148,793,000	125,226,000	99,894,000	97,995,000	101,051,000	99,029,000	535,829,000	397,969,000	378,924,000
Operating Income (Loss)									34,048,000	28,713,000	21,378,000
Industrial Filtration [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales									112,200,000
Operating Income (Loss)									6,400,000
Cost of sales									2,100,000
Andrew Industries Limited [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross												86,900,000
Cash acquired												7,500,000
Post-closing adjustment payment		200,000										200,000
Purchase price borrowings												60,000,000
Acquisition-related Costs [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues									2,600,000	2,600,000
Fair Value Adjustment to Inventory [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues									2,100,000	2,600,000
Interest Expense Associated with Borrowings Under the Company's Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues										900,000
Excluded Acquisition-related Costs [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues										1,200,000
Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Increased Value													$100,000,000

Acquisitions_Acquisitions_Summ

Acquisitions Acquisitions (Summary of Fair Values of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Cash	$7,493
Accounts Receivable	26,779
Inventory	25,046
Other current assets	2,894
Property, plant and equipment	38,780
Deferred Taxes	2,501
Intangible assets	5,596
Goodwill	3,943
Total assets acquired	113,032
Other liabilities	-18,002
Deferred taxes	-8,130
Total liabilities assumed	-26,132
Net assets acquired	$86,900

Acquisitions_Acquisitions_Unau

Acquisitions Acquisitions (Unaudited Pro Forma Operating Results) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net Sales	$553,345	$525,134
Net Income	$26,302	$21,500
Earnings per share, basic	$1.58	$1.30
Earnings per share, diluted	$1.55	$1.27

Inventories_Summary_of_Invento

Inventories (Summary of Inventories) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials	$21,248	$11,944
Work in process	15,753	14,546
Finished goods	15,348	9,537
Inventory, Gross, Total	52,349	36,027
Less: Progress billings	-1,108	-1,110
Total inventories	$51,241	$34,917

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories (Additional Information) (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure Inventories Additional Information [Abstract]
Gross Tooling Inventory	$9.90	$9.90
Tooling Inventory Net Of Progress Billings	$8.80	$8.80

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	295,162	$258,715
Accumulated depreciation	-186,510	-183,535
Accumulated amortization of capital leases	-2,944	-3,078
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Property And Equipment Net Excluding Work In Progress	105,708	72,102
Construction in progress	9,649	6,761
Total property, plant and equipment	115,357	78,863
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	2,773	2,215
Land [Member] | Assets Held Under Capital Leases
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	609	692
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	56,562	48,779
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	35 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	10 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Assets Held Under Capital Leases
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	5,345	6,072
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Assets Held Under Capital Leases | Maximum [Member]
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	35 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Assets Held Under Capital Leases | Minimum [Member]
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	10 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	197,804	166,747
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	25 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	5 years
Office Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	31,139	33,649
Office Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	8 years
Office Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	2 years
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	930	$561
Vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	6 years
Vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	3 years

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$16.70	$12.10	$12.80

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Gross and Net Carrying Amounts of Goodwill) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization/impairment	($13,287)	($13,287)
Goodwill	35,230	31,876
Goodwill	21,943	18,589	18,282
Performance Material Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization/impairment	0	0
Goodwill	13,340	13,929
Goodwill	13,340	13,929
Industrial Filtration [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization/impairment	0	0
Goodwill	3,943	0
Goodwill	3,943	0	0
Thermal/Acoustical Metals [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization/impairment	-12,160	-12,160
Goodwill	12,160	12,160
Goodwill	0	0
Other Products and Services Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Accumulated amortization/impairment	-1,127	-1,127
Goodwill	5,787	5,787
Goodwill	$4,660	$4,660

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reporting Unit) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$18,589	$18,282
Goodwill adjustment	-3,943	-110
Currency translation adjustments	-589	197
Ending Balance	21,943	18,589
Performance Materials [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	13,929	13,622
Goodwill adjustment	0	-110
Currency translation adjustments	-589	197
Ending Balance	13,340	13,929
Industrial Filtration [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	0	0
Goodwill adjustment	-3,943	0
Currency translation adjustments	0	0
Ending Balance	3,943	0
Other Products and Services
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	4,660	4,660
Goodwill adjustment	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	0	0
Ending Balance	$4,660	$4,660

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Other Intangible Assets) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized intangible assets
License agreements	$818	$881
Technology	2,500	0
Finite-Lived Customer Relationships, Gross	2,477	0
Patents	6,037	6,766
Other	691	278
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	12,523	7,925
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-4,682	-4,415
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Amortized intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-818	-881
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Amortized intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-143	0
Customer Relationships [Member]
Amortized intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-195	0
Patents
Amortized intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-3,274	-3,307
Other [Member]
Amortized intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	($252)	($227)

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		$100,000
Contingent consideration as percentage of revenue for acquisition		4.00%
Goodwill	21,943,000	18,589,000	18,282,000
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	5,600,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	900,000	400,000	800,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	11 years
Carrying Values Of Acquisition Related Intangibles	3,400,000
Period One [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	800,000
Period Two [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	700,000
Performance materials segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	13,300,000
Industrial Filtration [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	3,943,000	0	0
Other Products and Services Segment [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	4,660,000	4,660,000
Other Products and Services Segment [Member] | Life Sciences Vital Fluids [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	4,700,000
Solutech [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	9 years
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	600,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$2,500,000
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	12 years

Longterm_Debt_and_Financing_Ar2

Long-term Debt and Financing Arrangements (Total Outstanding Debt) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$40,930	$1,714
Less portion due within one year	-615	-663
Total long-term Debt	40,315	1,051
Volksbank Meinerzhagen Eg [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate	1.42%
Maturity year	2019
Long-term Debt, Gross	40,000	0
Capital Lease Land and Building, St Nazaire, France
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate	5.44%
Maturity year	2016
Long-term Debt, Gross	893	1,647
Capital Lease Forklifts Hamptonville North Carolina
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective rate	5.00%
Maturity year	2017
Long-term Debt, Gross	$37	$67

Longterm_Debt_and_Financing_Ar3

Long-term Debt and Financing Arrangements (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	10 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 18, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 17, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required Consolidated EBITDA	$30,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	600,000		600,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	300,000		300,000
Long-term Debt, Gross	40,930,000		40,930,000	1,714,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.50%		1.50%	5.40%	5.40%
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	2,300,000		2,300,000
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required consolidated leverage ratio as of end of each fiscal quarter	2		2
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.20%
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required consolidated leverage ratio as of end of each fiscal quarter	3		3
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.30%
Domestic credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		35,000,000		35,000,000		35,000,000
Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Increased Value		100,000,000
Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Possible Value Of Increase			50,000,000
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity	57,700,000		57,700,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	40,000,000		40,000,000
Volksbank Meinerzhagen Eg [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$40,000,000		$40,000,000	$0
Federal Funds Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	0.50%
Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	0.15%
Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	1.00%
Eurocurrency Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	1.00%
Eurocurrency Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	0.75%
Eurocurrency Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread	1.75%

Capital_Stock_Additional_Infor

Capital Stock (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	stockholder
Equity [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, authorized	500,000	500,000
Number of Shareholders	7,472
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	17,318,680

Employer_Sponsored_Benefit_Pla2

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plan (Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Net benefit obligation at beginning of year	$53,427	$60,020
Interest cost	2,348	2,453	2,583
Actuarial loss (gain)	7,654	-6,900
Gross benefits paid	-12,602	-2,146
Net benefit obligation at end of year	50,827	53,427	60,020
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	40,680	36,355
Actual return on plan assets	945	5,226
Contributions	4,252	1,245
Gross benefits paid	-12,602	-2,146
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	33,275	40,680	36,355
Net benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	-17,552	-12,747
Balance sheet amounts:
Noncurrent liabilities	-17,552	-12,747
Total liabilities	-17,552	-12,747
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax consist of:
Net actuarial loss	17,228	14,830
Net amount recognized	$17,228	$14,830

Employer_Sponsored_Benefit_Pla3

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plan (Defined Benefit Pension Plan with an Accumulated Benefit Obligation In Excess of Plan Assets) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation	$50,827	$53,427
Accumulated benefit obligation	50,827	53,427
Fair value of plan assets	$33,275	$40,680

Employer_Sponsored_Benefit_Pla4

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plan (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest cost	$2,348	$2,453	$2,583
Expected return on plan assets	-2,798	-2,691	-2,559
Amortization of actuarial net loss	725	1,069	918
Pension settlement cost	4,914	0	0
Total net periodic benefit cost	$5,189	$831	$942

Employer_Sponsored_Benefit_Pla5

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plan (Assumptions Used in Determining the Year-End Benefit Obligation and Annual Net Cost) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Discount rate, Benefit Obligation	4.16%	5.09%
Expected return on plan assets, Benefit Obligation	7.25%	7.25%
Discount rate, Net Cost	5.09%	4.16%	5.00%
Expected return on plan assets, Net Cost	7.25%	7.50%	7.75%

Employer_Sponsored_Benefit_Pla6

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plan (Target Allocation and the Actual Allocation of Plan Assets) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
U.S. Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	43.00%	37.00%
Non U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	19.00%	23.00%
Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	6.00%	7.00%
U.S. Bond funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	26.00%	26.00%
Non U.S. Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	3.00%	5.00%
Real estate investment trusts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	0.00%	0.00%
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual Allocation of Plan Assets	3.00%	2.00%
Maximum [Member] | U.S. Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	60.00%
Maximum [Member] | Non U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	25.00%
Maximum [Member] | Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	9.00%
Maximum [Member] | U.S. Bond funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	38.00%
Maximum [Member] | Non U.S. Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	8.00%
Maximum [Member] | Real estate investment trusts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	8.00%
Maximum [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	5.00%
Minimum [Member] | U.S. Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	22.00%
Minimum [Member] | Non U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	15.00%
Minimum [Member] | Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	3.00%
Minimum [Member] | U.S. Bond funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	12.00%
Minimum [Member] | Non U.S. Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	2.00%
Minimum [Member] | Real estate investment trusts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	0.00%
Minimum [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target Allocation	0.00%

Employer_Sponsored_Benefit_Pla7

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plan (Trust's Assets at Fair Value) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	$33,275	$40,680	$36,355
U.S. Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	14,272	15,141
Non U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	6,432	9,465
Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	1,896	2,713
U.S. Bond funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	8,528	10,461
Non U.S. Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	917	1,847
Real estate investment trusts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	170	155
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	1,060	898
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	33,275	40,680
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	14,272	15,141
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Non U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	6,432	9,465
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	1,896	2,713
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Bond funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	8,528	10,461
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Non U.S. Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	917	1,847
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Real estate investment trusts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	170	155
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	1,060	898
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Non U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Bond funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Non U.S. Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Real estate investment trusts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Equity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Non U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Emerging Markets [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | U.S. Bond funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Non U.S. Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Real estate investment trusts [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Cash and cash equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Assets at Fair Value	$0	$0

Employer_Sponsored_Benefit_Pla8

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plan (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$2,337
2016	2,365
2017	2,430
2018	2,510
2019	2,647
2020-2024	$14,490

Employer_Sponsored_Benefit_Pla9

Employer Sponsored Benefit Plan (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$17,228,000	$14,830,000
Pension settlement cost	4,914,000	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, pension	1,595,000	4,028,000	1,832,000
Estimated actuarial net loss to be amortized in 2014	-725,000	-1,069,000	-918,000
Discount rate, Benefit Obligation	4.16%	5.09%
Expected return on plan assets, Benefit Obligation	7.25%	7.25%
Employer contributions	2,100,000	1,700,000	1,600,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	5.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match, Remaining Two Percent	50.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match, First Three Percent	100.00%
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accrued Benefit Liability	17,600,000	12,700,000
Foreign Operations
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accrued Benefit Liability	1,400,000	1,200,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	400,000	200,000
Domestic Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Increase or decrease in pension liability included in other comprehensive income	2,400,000	6,500,000
Estimated actuarial net loss to be amortized in 2014	-900,000
Cash	900,000
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of Eligible Participants Electing Lump Sum Payment				62.00%
Pension Lump Sum Payment					10,300,000
Pension settlement cost						4,900,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, pension						$1,900,000

Equity_Compensation_Plans_Weig

Equity Compensation Plans (Weighted - Average Assumptions) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	1.60%	1.70%	1.40%
Expected life	5 years 1 month 6 days	5 years 2 months 12 days	5 years 8 months 12 days
Expected volatility	46.00%	65.00%	68.00%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Equity_Compensation_Plans_Summ

Equity Compensation Plans (Summary of Option Activity) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Shares Outstanding, Beginning balance	758,000
Shares granted	131,800	75,279	146,500
Shares Exercised	-277,006	-158,322	-129,675
Shares Forfeited/Cancelled	-4,000
Shares Outstanding, Ending balance	609,000	758,000
Shares Options exercisable	321,000
Shares Expected to vest	261,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Beginning balance	$10.32
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Granted	$27.96
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Exercised	$8.87
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Forfeited/Cancelled	$9.24
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Ending balance	$14.81	$10.32
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Options exercisable	$9.99
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Expeceted to vest	$19.78
Weighted average remaining contractual term	7 years
Weighted Average Remaing Contractual Term Options exercisable	5 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Expected to Vest	8 years 10 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding	$10,967
Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options exercisable	7,323
Aggregate Instrinsic Value Options Expected to Vest	$3,408

Equity_Compensation_Plans_Summ1

Equity Compensation Plans (Summary of Unvested Restricted Shares) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Restricted stock awards Outstanding	308
Restricted shares Granted	253
Restricted shares Vested	-96
Restricted Stock Forfeited/Cancelled	-6
Restricted stock awards Outstanding	459
Restricted Shares Expected to Vest	431
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding	$12.99
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted	$22.93
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$9.41
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited/Cancelled	$16.48
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding	$19.17
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Expected To Vest	$19.50

Equity_Compensation_Plans_Addi

Equity Compensation Plans (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 27, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of additional shares authorized	1,200,000
Stock based compensation expense		$2.80	$1.80	$1.40
Number of options granted		131,800	75,279	146,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$11.85	$9.41	$7.79
Shares Exercised		-277,006	-158,322	-129,675
Total intrinsic value for options exercised		5	1	0.7
Realized Income Tax Benefit		2.5	1	0.5
Cash received from exercise of stock option		2.5	1.5	1
Weighted average expected amortization period		3 years 1 month 6 days
Restricted shares Granted		253,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value		2.2	1.6	0.6
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options		4.8
Stock Option Plan 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share options and restricted shares authorized	1,750,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased		267,089			1,000,000
Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted shares Granted		204,800	95,090	114,500
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$22.93	$16.01	$12.56
Total unrecognized compensation cost		2
Weighted average expected amortization period		2 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period		6,212	10,565	171,369
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation		33,252
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation, Value of Shares Withheld		0.8
Time Based Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted shares Granted		48,649	29,480	73,750
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Realized Income Tax Benefit		$1.80	$0.30	$0.20

Segment_Information_Net_Sales_

Segment Information (Net Sales By Segment) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$535,829	$397,969	$378,924
Performance materials segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	115,866	112,001	118,035
Industrial Filtration Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	112,220	0	0
Thermal acoustical fibers segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	164,265	158,406	153,921
Thermal and Acoustical Fibers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	128,591	114,320	94,436
Other Products and Services Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	19,682	17,175	16,853
Industrial Filtration [Member] | Performance Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	71,648	64,752	68,379
Industrial Filtration [Member] | Industrial Filtration Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	112,220	0	0
Industrial Thermal Insulation [Member] | Performance Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	31,404	36,929	38,449
Life Sciences Filtration [Member] | Performance Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	12,814	10,320	11,207
Metal Parts [Member] | Thermal and Acoustical Metals [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	145,135	135,833	136,276
Tooling [Member] | Thermal and Acoustical Metals [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	19,130	22,573	17,645
Tooling [Member] | Thermal and Acoustical Fibers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	4,133	8,444	917
Fiber Parts [Member] | Thermal and Acoustical Fibers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	124,458	105,876	93,519
Life Sciences Vital Fluids [Member] | Other Products and Services Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	19,682	17,175	16,853
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Eliminations and Other	$4,795	$3,933	$4,321

Segment_Information_Classifica

Segment Information (Classification of Segments) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	$34,048	$28,713	$21,378
Total assets	361,770	274,685	251,916
Capital Expenditures	19,001	13,826	11,404
Depreciation and amortization	17,646	12,703	13,682
Performance materials segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	9,706	9,462	10,400
Total assets	71,325	74,838	74,119
Capital Expenditures	4,124	4,604	5,231
Depreciation and amortization	4,654	4,667	5,290
Industrial Filtration Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	6,412	0	0
Total assets	100,201	0	0
Capital Expenditures	1,804	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	4,536	0	0
Thermal/Acoustical Metals Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	13,823	14,088	14,708
Total assets	106,210	104,908	96,019
Capital Expenditures	8,544	6,027	4,063
Depreciation and amortization	4,578	4,777	5,019
Thermalacoustical Fibers Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	29,167	21,486	12,851
Total assets	33,109	30,176	26,830
Capital Expenditures	3,296	1,887	1,033
Depreciation and amortization	2,166	2,217	2,324
Other Products and Services Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	11,580	11,866	11,195
Capital Expenditures	574	243	128
Depreciation and amortization	804	588	596
Corporate Office [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	-26,642	-17,101	-17,771
Total assets	39,345	52,897	43,753
Capital Expenditures	659	1,065	949
Depreciation and amortization	908	454	453
Life Sciences Vital Fluids [Member] | Other Products and Services Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	$1,582	$778	$1,190

Segment_Information_Net_Sales_1

Segment Information (Net Sales by Geographic Area) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$535,829	$397,969	$378,924
Long-Lived Assets	118,680	80,325	78,008
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	345,864	269,989	251,695
Long-Lived Assets	72,832	48,787	45,979
France [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	52,534	47,831	52,517
Long-Lived Assets	13,861	16,436	17,463
Germany [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	77,896	77,229	71,896
Long-Lived Assets	12,366	13,287	13,542
UNITED KINGDOM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	26,387	0	0
Long-Lived Assets	7,601	0	0
CHINA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	29,401	0	0
Long-Lived Assets	11,225	0	0
Others [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,747	2,920	2,816
Long-Lived Assets	$795	$1,815	$1,024

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$535,829,000	$397,969,000	$378,924,000
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage			10.00%
Ford Motor Company [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	88,400,000	79,700,000	71,200,000
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage	16.50%	20.00%	18.80%
Chrysler Group Llc [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	43,500,000	38,000,000
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage		10.90%	10.00%
Industrial Filtration Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Inventory Step-Up	2,100,000
Net sales	112,220,000	0	0
Thermalacoustical Metals Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Commission Settlement Charge	2,900,000			2,000,000
Performance Materials [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Business		800,000
Asset impairment charges		300,000
Corprates [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Non-Cash Plan Settlement Charge	4,900,000
Transaction related costs	2,600,000	1,200,000
Asset impairment charges		1,500,000
Vital Fluids [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses					29,900,000
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Vital Fluids [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gain on disposal of business						12,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Vital Fluids [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gain on disposal of business						10,000,000
Industrial Filtration [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Transaction related costs							$2,200,000	$700,000

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Pro

Income Taxes (Components of Provision for Income Taxes) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$8,069	$5,477	$3,208
State	1,334	709	265
Foreign	3,883	2,032	2,352
Total Current	13,286	8,218	5,825
Deferred:
Federal	-42	1,609	-2,031
State	-1,626	-1,144	-291
Foreign	191	504	673
Total Deferred	-1,477	969	-1,649
Provision for income taxes	$11,809	$9,187	$4,176

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of the Difference between the Actual Provisions for Income Taxes) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes	0.80%	2.90%	2.20%
Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, including state	1.30%	-1.80%	-17.80%
Foreign dividends	0.00%	0.50%	0.90%
Capitalized transaction costs	2.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Domestic production activities deduction	-2.60%	-2.70%	-2.40%
Foreign income taxed at lower rates	-3.50%	0.00%	0.00%
Other	2.10%	-1.50%	2.00%
Effective income tax rate	35.10%	32.40%	19.90%

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Presents

Income Taxes (Schedule Presents Net Current and Net Long-Term Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities by Tax Jurisdiction) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Current	$5,614	$3,938
Deferred Tax Assets, Long-term	1,408	574
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Long-term	13,867	8,747
Federal [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Current	3,399	3,219
Deferred Tax Assets, Long-term	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Long-term	10,562	7,780
State [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Current	711	321
Deferred Tax Assets, Long-term	1,408	479
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Long-term	0	0
Foreign [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Current	1,504	398
Deferred Tax Assets, Long-term	0	95
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Long-term	$3,305	$967

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Def

Income Taxes (Components of Deferred Tax Asset and Liability) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable	$211	$127
Inventories	884	939
Net operating loss carryforwards	4,992	4,566
Other accrued liabilities	3,341	2,020
Pension	7,295	5,268
Tax Credits	1,879	1,953
Total deferred tax assets	18,602	14,873
Deferred tax liabilities:
Domestic liability of foreign assets	0	96
Intangible assets	6,525	6,066
Property, plant and equipment	15,195	9,631
Total deferred tax liabilities	21,720	15,793
Valuation allowance	3,727	3,315
Net deferred tax liabilities	($6,845)	($4,235)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States	$27,463	$23,433	$14,573
Foreign	6,193	4,909	6,409
Total income before income taxes	$33,656	$28,342	$20,982

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of1

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$1,864	$1,029
Increases relating to positions taken in prior periods	20	678
Increases relating to current period	388	586
Decreases due to settlements with tax authorities	0	0
Decreases due to lapse of statute of limitations	0	-429
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$2,272	$1,864

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective tax rate for income from continuing operations	35.10%	32.40%	19.90%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount	$1,200,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount	900,000
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	200,000	600,000	500,000
Valuation allowance	3,727,000	3,315,000
Tax Credit Carry forward Reversal Of Valuation Allowance		1,100,000	3,900,000
Income Tax Reconciliation Domestic Production Activities		800,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount		500,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local	10,100,000
Unpaid income taxes on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries	25,100,000
Reasonably expected net unrecognized benefits may be recognized	400,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	1,300,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carry forward Reversal Of Valuation Allowance	500,000
Income Tax Reconciliation State And Local Income Taxes Expected To Offset In Current Year		300,000
Tax credit carryforward, amount	2,900,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	9,600,000
Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance	1,100,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carry forward Reversal Of Valuation Allowance	400,000
Future Benefits [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Tax Reconciliation State And Local Income Taxes Expected To Benefit Future Periods		800,000
Netherlands and China [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	1,100,000
France [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation Reserve Against Net Operating Loss Carry forwards	2,100,000
UNITED KINGDOM
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation Reserve Against Net Operating Loss Carry forwards	800,000
NETHERLANDS [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount			700,000
Valuation Reserve Against Net Operating Loss Carry forwards	9,400,000
CHINA
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation Reserve Against Net Operating Loss Carry forwards	5,000,000
Industrial Filtration [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Nondeductible acquisition transaction costs	800,000
Minimum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax payable on undistributed earnings	1,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax payable on undistributed earnings	$8,500,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Lease Payments, 2015	$4,848
Operating Lease Payments, 2016	3,810
Operating Lease Payments, 2017	3,708
Operating Lease Payments, 2018	2,529
Operating Lease Payments, 2019	1,362
Operating Lease Payments, Thereafter	1,080
Operating Lease Payments, Total	17,337
Capital Lease Payments, 2015	647
Capital Lease Payments, 2016	317
Capital Lease Payments, 2017	0
Capital Lease Payments, 2018	0
Capital Lease Payments, 2019	0
Capital Lease Payments, Thereafter	0
Capital Lease Payments, Total	964
Interest on capital leases	-35
Capital Lease Payments, Total	929
2015	5,495
2016	4,127
2017	3,708
2018	2,529
2019	1,362
Thereafter	1,080
Total Operating and Capital Lease Payments	18,301
Interest on capital leases	-35
Total	$18,266

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$6.40	$4	$4
Lydall Gerhardi [Member] | Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Maximum fine percentage of revenue	10.00%

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Used to Determine Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Reconciliation Of Weighted Average Shares Used To Determine Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic average common shares outstanding	16,662	16,570	16,717
Effect of dilutive options and restricted stock awards	341	296	256
Diluted average common shares outstanding	17,003	16,866	16,973

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share (Additional Information) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Earnings Per Share Additional Information [Abstract]
Shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	0.1	0.2	0.2

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Summary of Quarterly Financial Results) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$127,583	$134,227	$148,793	$125,226	$99,894	$97,995	$101,051	$99,029	$535,829	$397,969	$378,924
Gross profit	25,562	28,564	34,653	26,199	20,329	20,494	23,037	21,365	114,978	85,225	77,807
Net income	$5,733	$4,158	$8,240	$3,716	$4,133	$4,575	$5,955	$4,492	$21,847	$19,155	$16,806
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$0.34	$0.25	$0.50	$0.22	$0.25	$0.28	$0.36	$0.27	$1.31	$1.16	$1.01
Diluted	$0.34	$0.24	$0.49	$0.22	$0.25	$0.27	$0.35	$0.26	$1.28	$1.14	$0.99

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio3

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Increase Decrease In Operating Income Nonrecurring			$1.80
Increase Decrease In Operating Income By Discrete Tax Benefits		0.3	0.5
Impact On Net Income Due To Reversal Of Valuation Allowances	0.9
Industrial Filtration [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase accounting adjustment to gross profit				-0.2	-0.5	-1.3
Purchase accounting adjustment to net income				-0.2	-0.4	-0.9
Transaction related costs	0.7					2.2
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Non-Cash Plan Settlement Charge				3
Thermalacoustical Metals Segment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Commission Settlement Charge					$2		$2.90

Recovered_Sheet1

Changes In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Balance, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	$6,128		$3,178		$1,937
Other comprehensive income, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	-12,714		2,950		1,241
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	0		0		0
Balance, Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	-6,586		6,128		3,178
Balance, Defined Benefit Pension Adjustment	-14,972		-21,544	[1]	-18,555
Other comprehensive income, Defined Benefit Pension Adjustment	-6,099	[2]	5,909	[2]	-3,558	[2]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, Defined Benefit Pension Adjustment	3,496	[1]	663	[1]	569	[1]
Balance, Defined Benefit Pension Adjustment	-17,575		-14,972		-21,544	[1]
Balance, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	-8,844		-18,366		-16,618
Other Comprehensive income, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	-18,813		8,859		-2,317
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	3,496		663		569
Balance, Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	($24,161)		($8,844)		($18,366)
[1]	(b) Amount represents the amortization of actuarial losses to pension expense arising from the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation. This amount was $3.5 million, net of $2.1 million tax benefit, which included $3.0 million, net of $1.9 million tax benefit for pension settlement costs in 2014, $0.7 million, net of $0.4 million tax benefit, for 2013 and $0.6 million, net of $0.3 million tax benefit in 2012. (See Note 8)
[2]	(a) Amount represents actuarial (losses) gains arising from the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation. This amount was $(6.1) million, net of $3.7 million tax benefit, for 2014, $5.9 million, net of a $3.6 million tax expense, for 2013 and $(3.6) million, net of $2.1 million tax benefit in 2012. (See Note 8)

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C2

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Actuarial gains losses, net of tax	($6,100,000)		$5,900,000		($3,600,000)
Actuarial gains losses, tax portion	3,700,000		-3,600,000		2,100,000
Amortization of actuarial losses, net of tax	3,496,000	[1]	663,000	[1]	569,000	[1]
Amortization of actuarial losses, tax portion	2,100,000		400,000		300,000
Pension settlement costs, net of tax	3,000,000
Pension settlement costs, tax portion	$1,900,000
[1]	(b) Amount represents the amortization of actuarial losses to pension expense arising from the Company’s postretirement benefit obligation. This amount was $3.5 million, net of $2.1 million tax benefit, which included $3.0 million, net of $1.9 million tax benefit for pension settlement costs in 2014, $0.7 million, net of $0.4 million tax benefit, for 2013 and $0.6 million, net of $0.3 million tax benefit in 2012. (See Note 8)

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events (Additional Information) (Detail) (Vital Fluids [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business sold cash received	$29.90
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Gain on disposal of business		10
Scenario, Forecast [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Gain on disposal of business		$12

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Receivables [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	$480		$469		$622
Charges to Costs and Expenses	384		60		162
Charges (Deductions) to Other Accounts	-39	[1]	15	[1]	7	[1]
Deductions	-116	[2]	-64	[2]	-322	[2]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending balance	709		480		469
Allowance for Note Receivable [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance					480
Charges to Costs and Expenses					0
Charges (Deductions) to Other Accounts					0
Deductions					-480	[3]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending balance					0	[3]
Tax Valuation Allowances [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	3,315		3,587		7,132
Charges to Costs and Expenses	1,120		855		854
Charges (Deductions) to Other Accounts	193	[1],[4]	0		0
Deductions	-901	[5]	-1,127	[5]	-4,399	[5]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending balance	$3,727		$3,315		$3,587
[1]	Foreign currency translation and other adjustments.
[2]	Uncollected receivables written off and recoveries.
[3]	A reserve for $0.5 million was recorded during 2004 for the remaining balance of the note receivable associated with the sale of certain assets of the fiberboard operation in 2001, which was included within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011. The receivable was written off against the reserve in 2012.
[4]	Adjustments relating to the acquisition of Industrial Filtration.
[5]	Reduction to income tax expense.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2004
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Reserve On Note Receivable	$0.50